Final answer:
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause respiratory tract infections in mammals and birds, and can cause mild to severe illnesses in humans. Examples include SARS and MERS. The recent pandemic is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which leads to COVID-19.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause respiratory tract infections in mammals and birds. In humans, coronaviruses can cause a range of respiratory illnesses, from mild to severe. Examples of coronaviruses that have caused epidemics in humans include SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). The recent pandemic is caused by a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, which leads to the disease COVID-19.