Which of the following is NOT an evidence of organic evolution?

1. Analyze the question You are asked to pick the option that is NOT evidence supporting organic evolution (the idea that living things change gradually over time and share common ancestry).

2. Explain the concept The main lines of evidence for organic evolution are:

• Comparative anatomy: similar body structures across different organisms suggest common ancestry.
• Embryology: embryos of vertebrates look alike in early stages, pointing to shared ancestors.
• Fossil records: preserved remains show how organisms changed over geological time.
• Homologous features: structures with the same basic plan but different functions (e.g. human arm, bat wing, whale flipper) show divergence from a common ancestor. These come under comparative anatomy.
• Others: biochemical/molecular similarities, geographical distribution, and vestigial organs.

3. Work through the options

• A. Comparative anatomy: evidence of evolution.
• B. Embryology: evidence of evolution.
• C. Fossil records: evidence of evolution.
• D. Homologous features: evidence of evolution.
• E. Spontaneous generation: this is the old belief that living things arise from non-living matter (e.g. maggots from rotting meat, mice from dirty grain). It was disproved by Francesco Redi and later Louis Pasteur. It is not evidence for evolution.

4. Answer The correct option is E. Spontaneous generation.

5. Exam tip When you see "NOT evidence of evolution", look for the odd one out: anything about origin of life from non-living matter (spontaneous generation) or discredited ideas is the trap. Remember the evidence list with the word "CEFHB": Comparative anatomy, Embryology, Fossils, Homologous organs, Biochemistry.