Question

The bacterial species Staphylococus aureus is found on the skin and in the nasal passages of about 20% of the human population. It can survive on polyester for 3 months and can also infect cows and chickens. Thus, its relationship with humans is:

A. All of these choices are correct.
B. required for its survival.
C. facultative.
D. obligative.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. facultative

Step-by-step explanation:

Facultative means occurring optionally. So a facultative microbe can function and live in a different environment which is different from its normal living condition.

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacteria that can be present with the normal microflora of the skin and nasal passage in humans and they can be pathogenic if it gets in the body. Its relationship with humans is facultative because it not dependent only on humans for its survival as it can survive on polyester, towels, and other animals easily for months.

So the correct answer is C. facultative.