Which of the following is NOT a classification of fecal coliform?

Fecal coliforms are a specific group of bacteria that are primarily associated with fecal contamination from warm-blooded animals. These bacteria are typically classified based on their ability to thrive in certain environmental conditions and their relation to other groups of coliform bacteria.

The classification of fecal coliforms generally includes their thermotolerance, where they are known to survive and reproduce at elevated temperatures, specifically around 44°C, which is a characteristic feature of this group. While they are associated with warm-blooded animal waste, they are not typically classified as capable of living in cold environments. Instead, they thrive in warmer temperatures, which is central to their identification.

Fecal coliforms are indeed a subgroup of total coliforms, as they are distinguished from other types of coliform bacteria (such as environmental coliforms) that do not necessarily come from fecal sources. Therefore, the distinction being made in the query concerns the ability of fecal coliforms to live in colder conditions, which is not a characteristic of this bacterial group. This clarification underscores why being capable of living in cold environments does not align with the classifications of fecal coliforms.