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Multiple Choice
Stanley Miller's 1953 experiments supported the hypothesis that:
A
complex multicellular organisms appeared before prokaryotes
B
natural selection acts on heritable variation in populations
C
life originated from extraterrestrial sources
D
organic molecules could be synthesized abiotically under early Earth conditions
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the problem: Stanley Miller's 1953 experiment, also known as the Miller-Urey experiment, was designed to test the hypothesis that organic molecules, the building blocks of life, could form under the conditions thought to exist on early Earth.
Recall the experimental setup: Miller simulated early Earth conditions by creating a closed system containing water (to simulate oceans), a mixture of gases (such as methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapor) to represent the atmosphere, and electrical sparks to mimic lightning.
Recognize the key result: After running the experiment for a week, Miller observed the formation of several organic molecules, including amino acids, which are essential for life. This demonstrated that organic molecules could be synthesized abiotically (without living organisms).
Connect the result to the hypothesis: The experiment supported the idea that the chemical precursors to life could form naturally under the conditions present on early Earth, providing a foundation for the origin of life.
Eliminate incorrect options: The experiment does not relate to multicellular organisms, natural selection, or extraterrestrial origins of life. The correct conclusion is that organic molecules could be synthesized abiotically under early Earth conditions.