Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

What are the primary categories of biological agents?

1. Bacteria and parasites

2. Bacteria, viruses, and toxins

3. Viruses and fungi

4. Toxins and allergens

The correct answer is: Bacteria, viruses, and toxins

The primary categories of biological agents include bacteria, viruses, and toxins because these represent significant classifications of harmful biological entities that pose health risks to humans, animals, and plants. Bacteria are single-celled organisms capable of causing diseases, such as anthrax and plague, through infection. Viruses, on the other hand, are smaller than bacteria and require a host cell to replicate, causing diseases such as influenza and HIV. Toxins, which can be produced by various organisms including bacteria, are poisonous substances that can lead to harmful health effects even in small quantities. This classification is essential for understanding biological threats and implementing effective public health measures and preparedness strategies. Other categories mentioned, such as parasites or allergens, are important in different contexts but do not encompass the foremost categories of biological threats as effectively as bacteria, viruses, and toxins do.