To which group do most microorganisms observed in a drop of pond water typically belong?

• A. Viruses
• B. Protozoa
• C. Fungi
• D. Archaea

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: A drop of pond water contains a diverse microbial community, including viruses, protozoa, fungi, archaea, and bacteria.
2. Recall the characteristics of each group: Viruses are very small and require electron microscopy to be seen; fungi are generally larger and less abundant in pond water; archaea are often found in extreme environments and are less common in typical pond water.
3. Focus on protozoa: Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes that are commonly found in freshwater environments and are large enough to be observed under a light microscope in a drop of pond water.
4. Consider the abundance and visibility: Most microorganisms visible under a light microscope in pond water are protozoa because they are abundant and of a size that can be easily observed.
5. Conclude that the majority of microorganisms observed in a drop of pond water typically belong to the group Protozoa.