Where are viruses typically found?

Viruses are diverse and can be found in various environments, but they are most commonly associated with living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. While they can exist in many ecosystems, the soil environment specifically can harbor viruses that infect soil-dwelling organisms or plant pathogens. Therefore, soil can be a reservoir for certain types of viruses that play crucial roles in ecological interactions, such as those that infect bacteria, fungi, or plant species.

In contrast, while viruses can occasionally be found in water, air, or plant matter, these environments are not their primary habitat. Water can contain viruses, especially those associated with waste, air may contain aerosolized viruses, and plant matter can host viruses that infect plants, but soil is recognized for its variety of microorganisms, including viruses that contribute to microbial dynamics and soil health.