Which type of bacteria are cocci primarily classified as?

Cocci are primarily classified as spherical or oval-shaped bacteria. This classification is based on their distinctive morphology, which is a key characteristic used in microbiology to categorize bacteria. The term "coccus" refers to the round shape, which can appear as single cells, in pairs, chains, or clusters, depending on how they divide. Understanding the shape and arrangement of cocci aids in identifying bacterial species and helps in determining their potential pathogenicity, as different shapes can be associated with different types of infections and biological behavior. The other classifications, such as bacillus (rod-shaped) and spiral, describe different bacterial morphologies that do not pertain to cocci.