Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacterium that can cause infections in humans. These bacteria can exist for long periods of time in air, dust, water, and food, as well as on environmental surfaces. Rhinovirus is a type of virus that can cause the common cold in humans. Rhinovirus cannot survive outside of a human host for more than a few hours.
Which of the following best describes a major difference between bacteria and viruses?
A. Viruses can cause infections in the human body, whereas there are no types of bacteria that can cause infections.
B. Bacteria cannot survive without a living host, whereas viruses can often live and grow outside of the human body.
C. Bacteria can cause infections in the human body, whereas there are no types of viruses that can cause infections.
D. Viruses cannot survive without a living host, whereas bacteria can often live and grow outside of the human body.