Question

athletes foot is a common fungal infection that can cause itchy, scaly skin. the fungus that causes athletes foot lives and grows in damp, dark, and warm places and is commonly contracted by walking barefoot on damp surfaces, such as a locker room floor.
rhinovirus is a type of virus that can cause congestion, fever, cough, and a sore throat. rhinovirus is usually contracted by touching a surface that has rhinovirus on it and then touching the nose or mouth.
which of the following do viruses and fungi have in common?
a. all viruses and fungi can be contracted by walking barefoot in damp areas.
b. some types of both viruses and fungi can cause infections in humans.
c. there are no viruses or fungi that can cause infections in humans.
d. all viruses and fungi cause congestion, fever, cough, and a sore throat.

Explanation:

• For option A: Only fungi (like the one causing Athlete's foot) can be contracted by walking barefoot in damp areas as per the given text. Viruses (like Rhinovirus) are contracted differently (by touching contaminated surfaces and then face). So this option is incorrect.
• For option B: The text shows that a fungus causes Athlete's foot (a human infection) and a virus (Rhinovirus) causes symptoms like congestion, fever etc. (another human infection). So some types of both can cause human infections. This option is correct.
• For option C: The given examples (Athlete's - foot fungus and Rhinovirus) clearly show that both fungi and viruses can cause human infections. So this option is incorrect.
• For option D: Only Rhinovirus (a virus) causes congestion, fever, cough, and a sore throat as per the text. The fungus (Athlete's - foot fungus) causes itchy, scaly skin. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Some types of both viruses and fungi can cause infections in humans.