Consider the following statements regarding the habitat of microorganisms: 1. They are found in air, water, and soil but not inside the bodies of animals. 2. They can exist freely as well as grow on other organisms. 3. They are capable of surviving in deserts and marshy lands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature, meaning they are present almost everywhere on Earth. Their distribution spans diverse ecosystems, ranging from hospitable environments to extreme conditions. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Microorganisms are found in air, water, and soil, but they are also abundantly present inside the bodies of animals, including humans. For instance, the human gut harbors a vast population of bacteria essential for digestion and immunity. - Statement 2 is Correct. Microorganisms exhibit diverse modes of existence. Some, like Amoeba, can live alone (freely), while others, such as fungi and bacteria, may live in colonies or grow on other organisms as parasites or symbionts. - Statement 3 is Correct. Microorganisms possess high adaptability and can survive in all types of environments. This includes extreme habitats such as ice-cold climates, hot springs, deserts, and marshy lands. Key Takeaway: Microorganisms are cosmopolitan organisms capable of surviving in air, water, soil, inside living bodies, and in extreme environmental conditions like thermal vents and polar ice caps.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 2: Microorganisms : friend and foe

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Consider the following statements regarding the habitat of microorganisms:

They are found in air, water, and soil but not inside the bodies of animals.
They can exist freely as well as grow on other organisms.
They are capable of surviving in deserts and marshy lands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature, meaning they are present almost everywhere on Earth. Their distribution spans diverse ecosystems, ranging from hospitable environments to extreme conditions.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Microorganisms are found in air, water, and soil, but they are also abundantly present inside the bodies of animals, including humans. For instance, the human gut harbors a vast population of bacteria essential for digestion and immunity.
Statement 2 is Correct. Microorganisms exhibit diverse modes of existence. Some, like Amoeba, can live alone (freely), while others, such as fungi and bacteria, may live in colonies or grow on other organisms as parasites or symbionts.
Statement 3 is Correct. Microorganisms possess high adaptability and can survive in all types of environments. This includes extreme habitats such as ice-cold climates, hot springs, deserts, and marshy lands.

Key Takeaway:
Microorganisms are cosmopolitan organisms capable of surviving in air, water, soil, inside living bodies, and in extreme environmental conditions like thermal vents and polar ice caps.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Microorganisms : friend and foe

With reference to microorganisms, consider the following statements: 1. They are classified into four major groups: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae. 2. They can survive only in moderate climates and die in ice-cold or hot spring environments. 3. Some microorganisms are unicellular, while others are multicellular. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following characteristics distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms?

easy

Which one of the following human diseases is caused by a protozoan pathogen?

easy

Consider the following pairs of microorganisms and their classification: 1. Aspergillus : Algae 2. Paramecium : Protozoa 3. Penicillium : Fungi 4. Spirogyra : Bacteria How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

hard

With reference to the classification of diseases, consider the following statements: 1. Typhoid and Tuberculosis (TB) are bacterial diseases. 2. Polio and Chicken pox are bacterial diseases. 3. Dysentery is caused by a virus. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Keep practising Chapter 2: Microorganisms : friend and foe

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature, meaning they are present almost everywhere on Earth. Their distribution spans diverse ecosystems, ranging from hospitable environments to extreme conditions.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Microorganisms are found in air, water, and soil, but they are also abundantly present inside the bodies of animals, including humans. For instance, the human gut harbors a vast population of bacteria essential for digestion and immunity.
Statement 2 is Correct. Microorganisms exhibit diverse modes of existence. Some, like Amoeba, can live alone (freely), while others, such as fungi and bacteria, may live in colonies or grow on other organisms as parasites or symbionts.
Statement 3 is Correct. Microorganisms possess high adaptability and can survive in all types of environments. This includes extreme habitats such as ice-cold climates, hot springs, deserts, and marshy lands.