The yeast form of fungi closely resembles the colony formation of which organisms?

The yeast form of fungi is known for its unicellular nature and often reproduces asexually through budding, forming colonies that can appear similar to those of bacteria. Both yeasts and bacteria can produce colonies that are small, round, and have a smooth surface—features that make them visually comparable. Additionally, like bacteria, yeast can thrive in similar environments, such as nutrient-rich substrates, and both can be involved in processes such as fermentation and decomposition.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the colony formation characteristics of yeasts. Viruses are not cellular organisms and do not form colonies on their own; they require a host cell to replicate. Protozoa are primarily unicellular eukaryotes that can form colonies but typically have more complex structures than yeast colonies. Yeast itself is a type of fungus, and while it shares similarities with itself in different contexts, it does not align with the context of the question, which seeks a comparison to other organisms.