Question

What are the six major groups of microorganisms? List them in order from smallest to largest.

Answer 1

The six major groups of microorganisms, listed from smallest to largest, are virus, archaea, bacteria, protists, fungi, and helminths.

Step-by-step explanation:

The six major groups of microorganisms, listed in order from smallest to largest, are:

1. Virus: These are acellular microorganisms that are not classified within any of the three domains of life. They are much smaller than prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
2. Archaea: These are prokaryotic microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments and are found in every habitat on Earth.
3. Bacteria: These are also prokaryotic microorganisms, but they have a wider range of habitats and metabolic capabilities compared to archaea.
4. Protists: These are eukaryotic microorganisms that include unicellular organisms such as algae and protozoa. They are larger than prokaryotes.
5. Fungi: These are eukaryotic microorganisms that include multicellular organisms such as molds and yeasts. They are larger than protists.
6. Helminths: These are multicellular parasitic worms that are classified within the field of microbiology because their eggs and larvae are often microscopic. They are larger than fungi.