Question

Who proposed that the first form of life could have come from pre-existing non-living organic molecules?

• A. Darwin
• B. Oparin and Haldane
• C. Lamarck
• D. Thomas Malthus

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The hypothesis that the first form of life could have originated from pre-existing non-living organic molecules was proposed by Alexander Oparin and John Haldane.

Oparin, in 1924, and Haldane, in 1929, independently suggested this concept, which later became known as the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis of abiogenesis. They hypothesized the early Earth had a reducing atmosphere composed of methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapor. Under these conditions, with the addition of energy such as lightning or ultraviolet light, simple organic compounds could form.

Over time, these organic molecules could have undergone further complex reactions eventually leading to the formation of life. This hypothesis laid the groundwork for future experiments, like the Miller-Urey experiment, which aimed to recreate these primitive Earth conditions to provide evidence for abiogenesis.

Answer 2

• Oparin and Haldane proposed the theory of abiogenesis, which suggests that life could have originated from pre-existing non-living organic molecules under the conditions of the early Earth.
• They postulated that Earth's early atmosphere contained gases like methane, ammonia, and hydrogen, and that energy from sunlight and lightning could have facilitated the formation of simple organic molecules. Over time, these molecules could have evolved into more complex compounds, eventually leading to the formation of life.
• Darwin focused on the theory of evolution and natural selection rather than the origin of life.
• Lamarck proposed a theory of evolution that included the inheritance of acquired characteristics, but not the origin of life.
• Thomas Malthus is known for his work on population growth and its effects, but he did not propose theories about the origin of life.