Biology · Evolution

In Aristotle's time, with respect to the theory of inheritance, it was already known that organisms varied on the basis of their complexity, implying that the knowledge of complex beings was known, and that off springs inherited some traits from their parents and can modify themselves to eventuate the birth of different species, depending upon genetic and external envirnomental factors. 

a) Organisms ranged from simple to complex
Explanation: This option is correct. During Aristotle's time, it was believed that organisms ranged from simple to complex in a hierarchical manner. The idea was that living things could be organized into a scala naturae or "Great Chain of Being," where less complex organisms occupied lower rungs, and more complex organisms occupied higher rungs. This hierarchical view of life was based on perceived differences in complexity and organization among living organisms. 

b) One type of organism gives rise to another type of organism
Explanation: This option is correct. Aristotle's contemporaries held the belief in spontaneous generation, which stated that certain forms of life could arise spontaneously from non-living matter. For example, it was believed that insects could emerge from decaying matter, or mice could arise from wheat grains. This concept suggested that one type of organism could give rise to another type of organism through spontaneous generation, without the need for pre-existing living organisms as parents. 

In Aristotle's time, with respect to the theory of inheritance, it was already known that organisms varied on the basis of their complexity, implying that the knowledge of complex beings was known, and that offsprings inherited some traits from their parents and can modify themselves to eventuate the birth of different species, depending upon genetic and external environmental factors.

d) Only living things are created by nature
Explanation: This option is not correct. During Aristotle's time, it was not necessarily believed that only living things were created by nature. The concept of spontaneous generation suggested that certain non-living matter could give rise to living organisms.