Colony morphology refers to the physical characteristics of microbial colonies as they grow on solid media. These characteristics include shape, size, color, texture, and elevation. Observing colony morphology helps microbiologists identify and differentiate between various species of bacteria and fungi. Different types of microorganisms exhibit distinct colony morphologies. For example, Escherichia coli typically forms round, smooth, and moist colonies, while Staphylococcus aureus may appear golden and slightly raised. By studying these traits, scientists can gain insights into the identity and behavior of the microorganisms present in a sample.