Final answer:
Bacteria and fungi are types of organisms capable of forming spores to survive adverse environmental conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the organisms capable of surviving adverse environmental conditions by forming spores are bacteria, fungi, and certain types of protozoa. Viruses do not form spores. Rather, bacteria are well-known for their ability to form endospores, which are highly resistant structures that protect their genetic material during times of stress such as high temperatures, UV radiation, or harsh chemicals. Fungi also produce spores, but typically as part of their reproductive cycle. Delta Proteobacteria, for example, is a group of bacteria that can generate a spore-forming fruiting body when conditions are unfavorable.
Furthermore, some soil bacteria, through the formation of endospores, gain resistance to extreme conditions such as heat and drought, enabling them to wait out the tough times until favorable conditions return. The cell walls of prokaryotes, such as B. anthracis, which causes anthrax, and B. cereus, which may cause food poisoning, provide additional protection that helps them persist in both hyper- and hypo-osmotic environments.