Which term refers to a disease that can be spread from one living thing to another through the environment?

The correct term for a disease that can be spread from one living organism to another through the environment is referred to as a communicable disease. This category includes illnesses that can be transmitted via direct contact with an infected person or by indirect means such as air, water, or contaminated surfaces. Examples include diseases like the flu, tuberculosis, and COVID-19, which highlight how pathogens can move from one host to another, thereby propagating the disease within communities.

While infectious disease can include communicable diseases, it is a broader term that encompasses any disease caused by pathogens regardless of how they are transmitted. Chronic diseases refer to long-lasting conditions that typically cannot be transmitted between individuals and are often related to lifestyle factors. Non-communicable diseases, like heart disease or diabetes, are also not spread from person to person and are primarily influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Therefore, the specificity of the term "communicable disease" accurately captures the concept of diseases that can be passed between living beings through environmental means.