If you are asking about a species of cat, then you're talking about one species. If you ask about species of cats, then you're asking about more than one species. Though, biologists are more typically going to ask about species of felids. LebLlama said:
There are four main categories of bacteria: Cocci (spherical), Bacilli (rod-shaped), Spirilla (spiral), and Vibrios (comma-shaped). Within these categories, there are thousands of different species of bacteria.
Bacteria reproduce through a process called binary fission, where the cell splits into two identical cells. This can happen very quickly, with some bacteria reproducing every 20 minutes.
Bacteria play a crucial role in the environment by breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients. They also help with nutrient cycling in soil and are important for the health of plants and animals.
While some bacteria can cause infections and diseases, the majority of bacteria are harmless or even beneficial to humans. Only a small percentage of bacteria are pathogenic, meaning they can cause illness.
Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics through a process called horizontal gene transfer, where they acquire genes from other bacteria that provide resistance. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can also contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.