Which term describes organisms that require oxygen to live?

The term that describes organisms requiring oxygen to live is "aerobic." These organisms rely on oxygen for their metabolic processes, which enable them to produce energy efficiently through cellular respiration. In aerobic respiration, oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor, allowing for the complete oxidation of glucose and the production of high-energy molecules like ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

The distinction between aerobic and other types of organisms is crucial in various biological and ecological contexts. For example, anaerobic organisms do not need oxygen and can thrive in environments devoid of it, while microaerophilic organisms require lower levels of oxygen than what is present in the atmosphere. Obligate anaerobic organisms, on the other hand, are harmed by oxygen, making them fundamentally different from aerobic organisms. Understanding these categories helps clarify the diverse adaptations that organisms have developed to survive in different environments, highlighting the importance of oxygen in biological processes for aerobic organisms.