Question

Why are the Miller-Urey experiments essential to the theory of evolution? They showed that life can only come from life. They showed that electricity can create life. They showed how organic molecules could be made from Earth's early atmosphere. They demonstrated the role that natural selection played in the evolution of modern day organisms.

Answer 1

The Miller-Urey experiments are actually somewhat controversial in the modern context in terms of whether they accurately represent the conditions of the early Earth, and whether their conclusions are indicative of processes that actually took place. Nevertheless the key point they demonstrated was that the synthesis of seemingly "complex" molecules (amino acids and other organics) through non-living precursor mechanisms was entirely possible.

A: This possibility is discounted because the setup of the experiment specifically excluded living sources for the reactants. Further, the argument that "life comes from life" would not be an appropriate conclusion because life is an entirely different and more complex subject than just the synthesis of organic molecules can conclude.

B: Electricity was used in the experiment, but it bears repeating that the experiment did not create life. 

C: This is the correct response. It is the most specific summary of the experiment's organization and its results.

D: Natural selection was not relevant to this experiment, because there were no living elements. Natural selection does not exist in and cannot apply to non-living conditions.

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Answer 2

Answer: They showed how organic molecules could be made from Earth's early atmosphere.  

The Miller-Urey experiment studied the influence of abiotic factors for the synthesis of organic compounds by creating the environment that was similar to the early earth. An electrical discharge was exposed to the mixture of gases mimicking those gases which are supposed to be present on early earth. This was done along with a liquid reservoir representing oceans. The results of the study showed that organic molecules in the form of amino acids, which are called as building blocks of life, could formed in the primitive earth conditions.