Biology 1st semester HIstory and Scientists

Aristotle was the first to propose that living organisms could arise spontaneously from non-living matter.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because Aristotle did not propose spontaneous generation; this idea was later popularized in the 17th century. Aristotle believed in a form of vitalism, but he did not claim that life arose from non-living matter.

The concept of homeostasis was introduced by Claude Bernard in the 19th century.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true. Claude Bernard introduced the concept of homeostasis in the 19th century, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stable internal conditions in living organisms.

The idea that all living organisms share a common ancestor was first proposed by Gregor Mendel.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The idea that all living organisms share a common ancestor was proposed by Charles Darwin, not Gregor Mendel, who is known for his work on inheritance and genetics. Therefore, the statement is false.

Francesco Redi's experiment with meat and maggots disproved spontaneous generation.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Francesco Redi's experiment demonstrated that maggots on meat came from eggs laid by flies, not from spontaneous generation. This was a pivotal moment in disproving the idea that life could arise from non-living matter, making the statement true.

Louis Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiment provided conclusive evidence against spontaneous generation.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Louis Pasteur's swan-neck flask experiment demonstrated that microorganisms from the air, not spontaneous generation, were responsible for contamination, providing strong evidence against the idea of spontaneous generation.

Robert Hooke coined the term "cell" after observing cork under a microscope in 1665.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Robert Hooke observed cork under a microscope in 1665 and coined the term "cell" to describe the small, box-like structures he saw, which reminded him of the cells in a monastery.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the first scientist to observe living cells.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is credited as the first scientist to observe living cells using a microscope he developed, marking a significant advancement in microbiology.

Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann jointly proposed the cell theory in the 1830s.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann proposed the cell theory in the 1830s, stating that all living organisms are composed of cells, which is a fundamental concept in biology.

Rudolf Virchow contributed to the cell theory by stating that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Rudolf Virchow's statement that all cells arise from pre-existing cells is a key component of cell theory, emphasizing that new cells are formed from the division of existing cells.

The cell theory was immediately accepted without controversy upon its introduction.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The cell theory faced skepticism and debate before gaining acceptance, particularly regarding its implications and the understanding of cells. Therefore, the statement is false.