Question

Facultative bacteria are those which feed on

• A. Living matter
• B. Non-living matter
• C. Both A and B
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both A and B

Bacteria that cannot photosynthesize and feed on other living matter are termed as heterotrophs while those that feed on dead and decaying organic matter are termed as saprophytes. A heterotrophic/saprophytic bacterium can be obligate or facultative. The word facultative refers to the condition of “no strict requirement”. Thus, the term “facultative bacteria” in terms of their feeding habits refers to no strict requirement of living or dead matter. They adjust their habit according to the availability of type of food and thus, can feed on both living and non-living matter. This makes option C correct. On the contrary, if bacteria show strict requirement of living or dead matter, they are termed as obligate heterotrophs or obligate saprophytes respectively.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.