Abiogenesis: It is the hypothetical process by which living organisms are believed to have developed from nonliving matter.
Theory of spontaneous generation:
i. It is also called the ‘Theory of autobiogenesis’ (auto = self, bios = life, genesis = formation).
ii. According to this theory, life originated from non–living material spontaneously, without any interruption.
iii. It was initially putforth by Greek Philosophers in 600 B.C. and was supported by Aristotle.
iv. The Greek Philosophers believed that air, water, fire and earth are vital forces or the active principles which have the capacity to transform non–living matter into living organisms.
v. Louis Pasteur finally disproved the theory of spontaneous generation and gave the scientific explanation that life originated only from pre-existing life or biogenesis.
