Which of the following theories was proven wrong related to spontaneous generation?

The theory related to spontaneous generation that was proven wrong is the concept surrounding maggots on meat. Spontaneous generation was the idea that living organisms could arise from non-living matter, exemplified by the belief that maggots could spontaneously generate from rotting meat. This theory was widely accepted before experimental evidence was provided by scientists such as Francesco Redi in the 17th century, who demonstrated that maggots originate from eggs laid by flies, and not from the meat itself.

Through carefully controlled experiments, Redi placed meat in jars that were either open, allowing flies to access the meat, or sealed, preventing flies from reaching it. The open jars eventually were infested with maggots, while the sealed jars remained maggot-free, providing clear evidence to refute the notion of spontaneous generation in this context. This foundational work changed the scientific understanding of biological reproduction and set a precedent for the scientific method.

In contrast, the other options do not relate to the concept of spontaneous generation. Cold fusion pertains to nuclear reactions at relatively low temperatures, the static universe theory relates to cosmology and the understanding of the universe's structure and evolution, and plate tectonics deals with geological processes and the movement of Earth's crust. Therefore,