What does microbiology primarily focus on studying?

Microbiology primarily focuses on the study of microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. This field explores how these tiny organisms interact with each other, their environments, and their implications for human health. Understanding the role of microorganisms is crucial because they can be both beneficial and harmful; for example, some microorganisms are essential for digestion and fermentation, while others can cause diseases.

In the context of health, microbiologists investigate how pathogens can lead to infections and diseases, as well as how beneficial microbes play a role in maintaining wellness and supporting the immune system. This dual aspect of impact allows for advancements in medical treatments, vaccine development, and the understanding of disease mechanisms.

The other choices focus on unrelated fields: large mammals and their habitats pertain to zoology and ecology, environmental ecosystems would be studied under environmental science or ecology, and plant growth and development fall within botany and agricultural sciences. Thus, the emphasis on microorganisms and their health impacts distinctly defines microbiology as a specialized branch of scientific study.