What are bacteria capable of producing to protect themselves called?

Bacterial spores are a form of protection that certain bacteria can produce, allowing them to survive in unfavorable conditions. These spores are highly resistant structures that enable the bacteria to endure extreme temperatures, desiccation, radiation, and the presence of toxic substances. When environmental conditions improve, these spores can germinate and revert to their active form, allowing the bacteria to resume their normal functions.

The other categories mentioned, such as pathogenic bacteria, epidermal bacteria, and beneficial bacteria, focus on various roles or types of bacteria in different contexts. Pathogenic bacteria are known for causing diseases, epidermal bacteria are generally associated with the skin's microbiome, and beneficial bacteria provide advantages like aiding digestion or competitive exclusion of harmful organisms. However, none of these produce protective structures like spores. Thus, bacterial spores specifically highlight the survival adaptation of bacteria, making it the correct answer.