Which of the following is NOT characteristic of the glycocalyx found in bacteria?

a. a viscous coating surrounding the cell made of polysaccharide, polypeptide, or both
b. creates a slimy, slippery coating that prevents bacteria from attaching to surfaces
c. if firmly attached, contributes to bacterial virulence
d. a structure that can be visualized using an acidic negative stain and a basic counterstain

The answer is B: creates a slimy, slippery coating that prevents bacteria from attaching to surfaces

Explanation:

The second and important function of the glycocalyx is to enhance binding of bacteria to surfaces and form biofilms.

Therefore option B is wrong

answer: decrease

a limiting factor is the one which decrease the abundance, distribution and causes extinction of the population of species in a ecosystem. here, predators including hawks, owls and snakes are the limiting factor for the population of mexican free tailed bat.   although bats are nocturnal animals as they forge for food at night these predators also may remain active during night which can decrease the population of the mexican free-tailed bats. also, these bats eat only one type of insects that are moths. the food can also be a limiting factor as all 400 members are dependent upon same type of food needs that are moths. the decrease in the moth population can cause decrease in population size of the mexican free-tailed bats.

therefore, the scenarios will most likely to decrease the population size of the mexican free-tailed bats.