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An anaerobe is an organism that can live and reproduce in the absence of free oxygen. This is in contrast to aerobes, which require oxygen to survive. Some organisms, known as obligate anaerobes, can only grow without oxygen, while others, called facultative anaerobes, can adapt to grow with or without it. Facultative anaerobes can switch between cellular respiration (in the presence of oxygen) and fermentation (in its absence). Many bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, are facultative anaerobes. Anaerobic activity also refers to exercise where the body incurs an oxygen debt.123

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