The correct statement that compares viral and bacterial reproduction is:
B. Both viruses and bacteria can create large populations in a short time period.
Explanation: Viruses can produce large numbers of copies of themselves quickly by using host cells, while bacteria can reproduce rapidly through binary fission, allowing them to increase their population significantly in a short amount of time.
The other options are incorrect for the following reasons: A. Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and need host cells, while bacteria can reproduce independently. C. Viruses do not necessarily destroy themselves; they may leave the host cell to infect new cells, while bacteria do not destroy their cells but rather split into two. D. Viruses require host cells to reproduce, so they cannot reproduce at all without the presence of host cells, and bacteria do not need to have large populations to reproduce.