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Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Environments
In an aerobic environment, breathable oxygen exists in the form of O2. The presence of O2 allows for the continued existence of plants, mammals, reptiles and most of the bacteria on Earth. If placed into an anaerobic environment, these creatures would die from hypoxia, or lack of oxygen. As such, aerobic environments tend to be much more ecologically diverse than anaerobic environments.
Chemistry of an Anaerobic Environment
Although breathable oxygen (O2) does not exist in an anaerobic environment, oxygen (O) molecules may still be present. Anaerobic environments have conditions that make it difficult for oxygen molecules to bind with one another to form O2. Instead, the oxygen binds with other molecules to make compounds such as nitrate (NO3) and sulfide (SO3).
Examples of Anaerobic Environments
Outer space is the most obvious example of an anaerobic environment, in that it is a vacuum possessing no molecules of any kind, including oxygen. However, Earth features a number of anaerobic environments, including the bottom of the ocean and hot springs that reach extreme temperatures. Some the most famous and well-studied anaerobic environments are the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. Visitors often note that these hot springs produce a sulfurous smell. This is the result of loose oxygen molecules binding with sulfur to produce sulfide (SO3).
Life in Anaerobic Environments
Although it may be difficult to believe, some creatures can survive and even thrive in an anaerobic atmosphere. Often called extremophiles, they are usually anaerobic bacteria that can produce energy without the use of O2. They exist in most of the anaerobic hot springs on Earth and could theoretically survive in outer space if they were able to obtain appropriate nutrition. Scientists have also discovered a small multicellular organism that survives in the anaerobic environment at the bottom of the ocean.