Which of the following statements about Francesco Redi's experiments is TRUE?

• A. He proved that bacteria were the cause of some types of diseases.
• B. He used chicken broth to disprove spontaneous generation.
• C. He showed that maggots could only form on raw meat if flies are able to lay their eggs on it.
• D. He showed that maggots spontaneously form on raw meat.
• E. All are true.
• F. None are true.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of Francesco Redi's experiments, which were conducted in the 17th century to challenge the theory of spontaneous generation.
2. Recognize that spontaneous generation was the belief that living organisms could arise from non-living matter. Redi aimed to disprove this theory, particularly concerning maggots and raw meat.
3. Redi's experiment involved placing raw meat in several jars, some covered with gauze and others left open. The gauze-covered jars prevented flies from accessing the meat.
4. Observe the results of Redi's experiment: maggots appeared only in the open jars where flies could lay eggs, not in the covered jars, demonstrating that maggots came from fly eggs, not spontaneously from the meat.
5. Conclude that the statement 'He showed that maggots could only form on raw meat if flies are able to lay their eggs on it' is true, as it accurately reflects the outcome and purpose of Redi's experiment.