Final answer:
The statement is true; pathogenic bacteria usually require a warm, moist, dark environment with a food source to grow, and conditions like temperature and nutrition play a significant role in their growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that most bacteria that can cause illness need a warm, moist, dark environment with a source of nutrition in order to grow is True. The majority of pathogenic bacteria thrive in conditions where moisture is high because they require water for their metabolic processes. Halotolerant pathogens are particularly noteworthy because they are capable of causing foodborne illnesses by contaminating foods preserved in salt, despite the reduced water activity in such environments. In addition to moisture, these bacteria also require appropriate temperatures, typically between 20-40°C, with many preferring around body temperature (37°C), which is considered mesophilic. They also need organic compounds for nutrition, and sometimes specific vitamins or micronutrients are necessary. While some bacteria utilize photosynthesis and depend on visible light for energy, this is not the typical scenario for pathogenic bacteria responsible for illnesses.