Biogenesis

Biogenesis is the scientific theory that living organisms arise from preexisting living organisms, rather than from non-living matter. It suggests that life does not spontaneously generate but instead comes from similar life forms. This principle was established in the 19th century through experiments that disproved the idea of spontaneous generation. For example, meat left out would not generate life on its own; instead, it would attract bacteria from the environment. Biogenesis lays the foundation for understanding how life develops and persists on Earth, reinforcing the connections between different forms of life through reproduction.