Final answer:
Noninfectious diseases are not caused by pathogenic organisms but rather by genetic and environmental factors. Infectious diseases, on the other hand, are caused by pathogens and include conditions such as the common cold, influenza, and malaria.
Step-by-step explanation:
False. Noninfectious diseases are not caused by pathogenic organisms present in the environment or carried by other animals. Instead, noninfectious diseases are generally due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors other than pathogens. Conditions like genetic disorders, most cancers, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and coronary artery disease fall under the category of noninfectious diseases. In contrast, infectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. These diseases can be transmitted through various means, including direct or indirect human contact, animal to human transmission (zoonotic diseases), or through vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.