Bacteria only found in dry areas as cysts?

[pleasehelpme123]

Hi!
I'm doing a worksheet on Body Size, Heat Loss and SA/Vol Ratio.
The question I'm confused by is:

"The smallest organisms such as bacteria, protozoa and unicellular algae live in water or a saturated atmosphere. They are only found in dry situations as cysts or spores. Why?"

The wording is kind of confusing, but basically WHEN they're found in dry situations, why is it as cysts or spores? It should probably be somehow linkable to the topic.

Thanks! Any help would be appreciated http://biology-forums.com/Smileys/default/smiley-normal.png
(Not sure if this is where this is meant to go, sorry)

 

[Borek]

What would happen to a living bacteria put in the dry environment?