The collective term for the functional collection of microbes living on or in the human body, as opposed to a general term for organisms in an environmental habitat, is
A) the human microbiome.
B) the microbiota.
C) transient microbial flora.
D) pathogens.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term for the functional collection of microbes living on or in the human body is the human microbiome. This term specifically refers to the collection of microorganisms in and on the human body and their genetic material, and is distinct from the term "microbiota," which refers to the organisms themselves.

Answer: B 
 While the term "microbiome" is sometimes used interchangeably with "microbiota," the latter specifically refers to the collection of microorganisms in and on the human body, without including their genetic material. Therefore, "microbiota" is also an appropriate answer for the collective term for the functional collection of microbes living on or in the human body.

Answer: C and D are incorrect 
 "Transient microbial flora" refers to microorganisms that may be present in or on the body for a short period of time, but are not a functional collection that plays a role in human health. "Pathogens" refers specifically to microorganisms that cause disease, and does not encompass the entirety of the microbes living on or in the human body.

The Collective Term for the Functional Collection of Microbes Living