Which of the following is a characteristic of microorganisms?

Microorganisms are incredibly diverse organisms that exhibit a wide range of lifestyles and habitats. The characteristic that they can grow on living tissues where nutrients are available highlights their ability to obtain nutrients from their environment, which is essential for their growth and reproduction. Many microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, are known to thrive on host organisms, utilizing organic compounds found in living tissues. This ability allows them to play various roles in nature, including as pathogens, symbionts, or decomposers.

The context of their growth on living tissues also reflects the interconnectedness of life forms, as many microorganisms have evolved to exploit specific niches within larger organisms. This has implications not only for understanding health and disease but also for appreciating the complex interactions that occur in ecosystems. For example, pathogens can cause disease in their hosts, while others can have beneficial effects, such as aiding digestion in the gut.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe fundamental characteristics of microorganisms. The notion that microorganisms can only survive in sterile environments misrepresents their adaptability, as they can thrive in a variety of conditions, including extreme environments. While many microorganisms do have specific temperature ranges for optimal growth, this trait varies widely among different species, making it not uniformly applicable across all microorganisms.