Which of the following best describes the primary focus of microbiology?

• A. The study of animal behavior in natural environments
• B. The study of organisms too small to be seen without a microscope
• C. The study of chemical reactions in living organisms
• D. The study of the structure and function of human organs

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the scope of microbiology by breaking down the term itself: 'micro' means small, and 'biology' means the study of life.
2. Step 2: Recognize that microbiology focuses on organisms that are microscopic, meaning they cannot be seen with the naked eye and require a microscope for observation.
3. Step 3: Compare the options given: animal behavior, chemical reactions in living organisms, human organ structure and function, and organisms too small to be seen without a microscope.
4. Step 4: Identify that the study of animal behavior and human organ structure are fields related to zoology and anatomy/physiology, respectively, while chemical reactions in living organisms fall under biochemistry.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the primary focus of microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be seen without a microscope, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.