Question

Organisms known or suspected to cause serious illness or death are considered to be _________.

1) Pathogens
2) Parasites
3) Toxins
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Organisms that cause serious illnesses or death are known as pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Parasites and toxins, while harmful, do not encompass all the agents that can cause deadly diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organisms known or suspected to cause serious illness or death are considered to be pathogens. Pathogens are broadly defined as agents, usually microorganisms, that cause diseases. These include bacteria, viruses, protists, and larger organisms like parasitic worms. While parasites specifically live and feed on or within a host, often causing harm, not all parasites are necessarily deadly. Toxins are poisonous substances produced within living cells or organisms, and while they can cause serious health issues, they are not living organisms themselves. Therefore, the correct answer here is option 1) Pathogens.