The correct answer to the question is option (d) Clostridium sporulates.
- Clostridium is a genus of bacteria that is known for its ability to form endospores. Endospores are highly resistant to unfavorable environmental conditions, including high temperatures, desiccation, and exposure to chemicals and radiation.
- Clostridium sporulates is particularly known for its ability to form endospores, which makes it one of the most resistant organisms to unfavorable environmental conditions. It can survive in extreme environments and can even tolerate high levels of pollution.
- Fecal streptococci, Escherichia coli, and Aerobacter aerogenes are not as resistant as Clostridium sporulates to unfavorable environmental conditions. Fecal streptococci and Escherichia coli are both bacteria that are commonly used as indicators of fecal contamination in water. While they are able to survive in a range of conditions, they are not as resistant as Clostridium sporulates to environmental stressors.
- Similarly, Aerobacter aerogenes is a bacterium that is often found in soil and water, but it is not known for its ability to resist unfavorable environmental conditions.