In Your Microbiology Lab, Your Class Is Identifying Bacteria

question 59

Multiple Choice

In your microbiology lab, your class is identifying bacteria. You are using dichotomous keys to aid in the identi?cation process using the data from a variety of biochemical tests. What problems do you foresee in this procedure?

• A) Dichotomous keys are too sophisticated to read properly, so you are worried that there will be a large degree of error in your identi?cation.
• B) Dichotomous keys are not valid for identi?cation.
• C) If you misread a biochemical test or write down the wrong result, the key will likely take you to an alternative organism that is not your unknown bacterium.
• D) The dichotomous key does not contain information on your bacterium.

---

Definitions:

Liter

A metric unit of volume equal to one cubic decimeter, commonly used to measure liquids and other volumes in the scientific and commercial worlds.

Snowmelt

The process of snow and ice melting, often contributing to river flow in many parts of the world, and can lead to flooding if rapid.

Groundwater

Water that collects or flows beneath the Earth's surface, filling the porous spaces in soil, sediment, and rock formations.

Precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid (rain, sleet, snow, or hail), that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground.