Question

shigella bacteria can survive on a flys body for up to 24 days. suppose that a fly lands on waste from an infected person. that fly could then spread bacteria on everything it lands on for almost a month! how do bacteria survive for so long during harsh conditions until finding a host? a. they store up fat and hibernate until conditions improve. b. they feed each other so that every bacterium has a little food. c. they have ribosomes where food is made. d. they form an endospore with thick walls and await better conditions.

Explanation:

Bacteria can form endospores - highly resistant structures with thick walls. Endospores allow bacteria to survive harsh conditions until better conditions arise. Storing fat and hibernating (A) is not a typical survival mechanism for bacteria in harsh conditions. Bacteria do not feed on each other to ensure every bacterium has a little food (B). While bacteria have ribosomes, ribosomes are not related to long - term survival in harsh conditions as described (C).

Answer:

D. They form an endospore with thick walls and await better conditions.