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Agents of Disease

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 10mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Infectious diseases are caused by:

a)

poor nutrition

b)

lack of exercise

c)

pathogens (germs)

d)

genetics

2.

Which of the following are infectious diseases? Select all answers that are correct.

a)

athlete's foot caused by a fungus

b)

cardiovascular disease caused by an unhealthy lifestyle

c)

AIDS caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus

d)

skin cancer caused by exposure to UV radiation

3.

The "germ theory" has led to: (Select all correct answers.)

a)

sterile medical techniques

b)

less water filtration

c)

decreased personal hygiene

d)

More cooked and refrigerated food

4.

All of the non-pathogenic (beneficial) bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in and on your body are known as your:

a)

vectors

b)

microbiome

c)

fomites

d)

germs

5.

Which of the following are beneficial effects of non-pathogenic bacteria living in and on your body? Choose all correct answers.

a)

They produce vitamins that are essential to your body.

b)

They can get out of control and become pathogenic.

c)

They keep pathogenic bacteria from invading your body.

d)

They help you break down food into nutrients.

6.

An animal, such as a tick or mosquito, that carries a germ but doesn't cause the disease itself, is called a:

a)

fomite

b)

vector

c)

pathogen

d)

prion

7.

Why is the human body an ideal place for microorganisms to live? Choose all correct answers.

a)

There is a relatively constant temperature.

b)

There is not a lot of water in the human body.

c)

There are plenty of nutrients to feed on.

d)

The human body offers very little protection from the outside environment.

8.

How do pathogens (germs) interfere with our homeostasis? Choose all correct answers.

a)

They physically break down cells and tissues.

b)

They release harmful chemicals called toxins.

c)

They feed off of the nutrients in our bodies, taking them away from us.

d)

They make vitamins for us.

9.

An object or surface that pathogens (germs) can live on and be transferred to people is called a:

a)

vector

b)

microbe

c)

fomite

d)

prion

10.

Which of the following are categories of pathogens? Choose all correct answers.

a)

bacteria

b)

viruses

c)

protists

d)

fungi

e)

parasitic worms

11.

Which of the following is a correct statement about pathogen (germ) evolution?

a)

All germs have evolved to be very virulent (harmful).

b)

It is beneficial for all germs to immobilize their host (keep them from moving).

c)

It is most beneficial for germs to evolve a balance between harmfulness and ability to spread.

d)

All germs have evolved to be relatively harmless.

12.

Which of the following would be considered modes of transmission? Choose all correct answers.

a)

animal vectors

b)

person-to-person contact

c)

contaminated water

d)

contaminated food

13.

Which of the following are good ways to help prevent the transmission of infectious diseases? Choose all correct answers.

a)

Let waste water and drinking water mix.

b)

Undercook meat.

c)

Wash your hands before handling food.

d)

Put on bug spray before going on a hike in the woods.

14.

The harmfulness of a disease is known as:

a)

virulence

b)

mode of transmission

c)

the germ theory

d)

a microbiome

15.

The method by which a germ is spread is known as its:

a)

virulence

b)

mode of transmission

c)

microbiome

d)

prion