According to Aristotle, what is necessary to control and shape offspring?

• A. Environment
• B. Form of sperm
• C. Menstrual blood
• D. Healthy factors

Answer: (B)

The correct answer focuses on Aristotle's perspective, which emphasized the significance of the male's contributions to offspring through the "form of sperm." In Aristotle's theory of reproduction, he proposed that the male contributes the "form" (or the essence) needed to create an organism, while the female contributes the material aspect (menstrual blood). This understanding rooted in ancient biology highlights the belief that the characteristics of the offspring are shaped primarily by the male gamete, which carries information about the potential traits and qualities of the individual being formed.

Aristotle viewed the role of the sperm as crucial, reflecting a foundational idea in genetics about inheritance and the development of offspring that would later evolve with more advanced understandings of heredity. He believed that the sperm had an active role in determining the traits, which aligns with the interpretation of "form" as essential for shaping an organism.

While other aspects like the environment or health can influence development and survival, they were not emphasized by Aristotle in the context of the inherent traits passed to offspring as determined by the male sex cell.