Which term describes a disease caused by harmful organisms or viruses?

Prepare for the GMAS 5th Grade Science Test with engaging questions and explanations. Boost your understanding and confidence, ready to ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a disease caused by harmful organisms or viruses?

Explanation:
The concept being tested is how we name illnesses caused by small living organisms. An infectious disease is the illness itself that results from pathogens like bacteria or viruses and can spread between people or through the environment. That’s why this term is the best fit: it describes the disease, not the organism that can cause it. A virus is one type of pathogen, not the disease. Harmful bacteria are organisms that can cause disease, but they are not the disease’s name. Algae are also organisms, not the illness. For example, flu or COVID-19 are infectious diseases caused by viruses.

The concept being tested is how we name illnesses caused by small living organisms. An infectious disease is the illness itself that results from pathogens like bacteria or viruses and can spread between people or through the environment. That’s why this term is the best fit: it describes the disease, not the organism that can cause it. A virus is one type of pathogen, not the disease. Harmful bacteria are organisms that can cause disease, but they are not the disease’s name. Algae are also organisms, not the illness. For example, flu or COVID-19 are infectious diseases caused by viruses.

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