The statement is false. While the concept of cloning bacteria is not new, scientists have not generally believed for many years that bacteria are clones.

Here's why:

* Bacteria reproduce asexually: They primarily reproduce through binary fission, where one cell divides into two identical copies. While this process creates genetic duplicates, it's not considered cloning in the same way as creating a genetically identical organism from a single cell.

* Genetic variation exists in bacteria: While bacteria do reproduce asexually, they are constantly evolving and adapting to their environment through mutations. This means there is genetic variation within bacterial populations.

However, the concept of cloning bacteria has been explored:

* Genetically identical bacteria: Scientists *can* create genetically identical bacteria through laboratory techniques like gene editing.

* Cloning for research: Cloning bacteria is useful for research purposes, such as studying gene function and developing new therapeutic agents.

So, while the statement is false in its implication that scientists believed bacteria to be clones for many years, the concept of cloning bacteria is a real and active area of research.