Which of the following is a characteristic of biological weapons?

Biological weapons are characterized by their potential for easy spread among populations. This characteristic stems from the nature of biological agents, which can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or toxins that can multiply and spread in various environments and host organisms. These agents can be aerosolized or spread through contaminated food and water, making it feasible for a small amount of the agent to cause widespread illness.

In contrast, the other options present concepts that do not accurately represent the true nature of biological weapons. The notion that they require complex technology is misleading; while some sophisticated methods can enhance their effectiveness, many biological agents can be obtained and weaponized with relatively low technological barriers. The idea that they are only used for defense does not capture the reality that biological weapons have been, and can be, deployed offensively. Lastly, while some biological agents can lead to significant health crises, they typically do not cause immediate physical destruction like conventional weapons do; rather, they often act over time, leading to illness and mortality.