What is a common environment where mold can thrive?

Mold thrives in cool and humid environments because these conditions provide the moisture and temperature range conducive to mold growth. Mold spores are naturally present in the air and can settle on surfaces that are damp, leading to colonization and growth when the environmental conditions are favorable.

Cool humidity often presents the right combination of moisture and lower temperatures, which can make it easier for mold to develop, especially in areas that lack sufficient airflow to dry out surfaces.

In contrast, dry and sunny areas typically have reduced moisture levels, limiting the ability for mold to grow. Heavily ventilated spaces often facilitate drier conditions, which are not favorable for mold proliferation. Similarly, warm and air-conditioned rooms might not maintain enough humidity; while air conditioning can create cooler temperatures, it also tends to lower humidity levels, which does not support mold growth effectively.

Thus, the humid and cool conditions provide the ideal breeding ground for mold, making this the correct answer.