Which type of bacteria are characterized as spherical and grow in pairs?

The correct answer identifies bacteria that are spherical in shape and specifically grow in pairs, which is the defining characteristic of diplococci. Diplococci refers to a genus of bacteria that are round and typically occur in pairs due to their division process. The name itself derives from the Greek words 'diplo' meaning 'double' and 'coccus' meaning 'berry,' emphasizing this paired arrangement.

Understanding this classification is crucial as it helps differentiate between various forms of cocci. While "cocci" is a broader term that encompasses any spherical bacteria, including those that may grow in clusters or chains, it doesn’t specifically refer to the paired growth. Streptococci refers to cocci that grow in chains, while staphylococci denotes those that grow in clusters. Hence, the term 'diplococci' specifically highlights the pairing aspect, making it the correct choice in this context.