Fecal coliform live in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals.

Fecal coliform live in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals.

• A. False
• B. They live in water only
• C. True
• D. They live outside bodies

Answer: (C)

Fecal coliform bacteria are organisms that normally inhabit the digestive tracts of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They’re shed in feces and can enter water bodies through sewage or runoff. Because their natural home is inside the intestines, the statement that they live there is true. Their presence in water is used as an indicator of fecal contamination, which is why these bacteria are important in water quality testing. They may survive outside a host for a time, but that doesn’t change their intestinal origin. They do not primarily live outside bodies.

Fecal coliform bacteria are organisms that normally inhabit the digestive tracts of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They’re shed in feces and can enter water bodies through sewage or runoff. Because their natural home is inside the intestines, the statement that they live there is true. Their presence in water is used as an indicator of fecal contamination, which is why these bacteria are important in water quality testing. They may survive outside a host for a time, but that doesn’t change their intestinal origin. They do not primarily live outside bodies.