What is one way bacteria can protect themselves in unfavorable conditions?

Bacteria have developed various strategies to survive adverse environmental conditions, and one of the most effective methods is the formation of spores. When faced with unfavorable conditions such as extreme temperatures, lack of nutrients, or desiccation, certain types of bacteria can transform into a dormant state known as a spore.

Spores are highly resistant structures that can withstand harsh environments much better than their vegetative counterparts. This protective mechanism allows bacteria to enter a state of dormancy, effectively pausing their metabolic processes until conditions become more favorable for growth and reproduction. Spores can survive extreme heat, radiation, dehydration, and even exposure to chemicals that would normally be lethal to vegetative bacteria. Once the environment improves, these spores can germinate and return to their active form, enabling the bacteria to thrive again.

The other options do not represent effective strategies for bacterial survival in unfavorable conditions. Losing moisture may lead to cellular damage rather than a protective advantage, increasing size would not enhance survival chances, and changing color has no known protective function in response to environmental stress. Thus, the ability to form spores is a significant survival adaptation employed by some bacteria in challenging circumstances.