2. Some bacteria, viruses , parasites, and fungi can cause an illness. These are known as pathogens. carcinogens. poisons. pesticides.

## Step 1<br />The question is asking us to identify the term that refers to bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can cause illness. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />The term "pathogens" is used to describe any substance, organism, or process that can cause disease. This includes a variety of biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />The other options, "carcinogens", "poisons", and "pesticides", do not fit the description. Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer, poisons are substances that can cause harm to organisms, and pesticides are substances used to kill pests.