Match column I with column II and select the correct option from the given codes.
`{:("Column I","Column II"),("Saltation",(i)"Darwin"),("Formation of life was preceded by chemical evolution",(ii)"Louis Pasteur"),("Reproductive fitness",(iii)"de Vries"),("Reproductive fitness pre-existing life",(iv)"Oparin and Haldane"):}`

Options

A. iii,iv,i,ii
B. iv,iii,ii,i
C. ii,iii,i,iv
D. i,iv,iii,ii

Answer

To solve the matching question, we will analyze each term in Column I and match it with the appropriate term in Column II based on the contributions of various scientists to the field of evolution.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Saltation**:
- Definition: Saltation refers to a sudden change or large mutation that occurs at the genetic level.
- Scientist: This concept is primarily associated with **Hugo de Vries**, who proposed that evolution occurs through these large mutations rather than gradual changes.
- Match: Saltation → (iii) de Vries

2. **Formation of life was preceded by chemical evolution**:
- Explanation: This refers to the idea that before life could emerge, a variety of organic molecules must have formed from inorganic substances.
- Scientists: This theory was proposed by **Oparin and Haldane**, who suggested that these biomolecules formed on the primitive Earth.
- Match: Formation of life was preceded by chemical evolution → (iv) Oparin and Haldane

3. **Reproductive fitness**:
- Definition: Reproductive fitness refers to the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
- Scientist: This concept is a key part of **Charles Darwin's** theory of natural selection, where organisms with higher fitness leave more offspring.
- Match: Reproductive fitness → (i) Darwin

4. **Reproductive fitness pre-existing life**:
- Explanation: This idea suggests that life arises from existing life, opposing the notion of spontaneous generation.
- Scientist: This was demonstrated by **Louis Pasteur**, who conducted experiments to show that life comes from pre-existing life forms.
- Match: Reproductive fitness pre-existing life → (ii) Louis Pasteur

### Final Matching:
- Saltation → (iii) de Vries
- Formation of life was preceded by chemical evolution → (iv) Oparin and Haldane
- Reproductive fitness → (i) Darwin
- Reproductive fitness pre-existing life → (ii) Louis Pasteur

### Correct Option:
The correct option that matches the columns is **A**.