Facultative anaerobes have the ability to:

Facultative anaerobes are a type of microorganism that can survive and grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. This versatility allows them to adapt to varying environmental conditions, utilizing aerobic respiration when oxygen is available for optimal energy production. When oxygen is not present, facultative anaerobes can switch to anaerobic metabolism to generate energy, often through fermentation or anaerobic respiration processes.

This adaptability is important in various ecosystems and clinical settings, where oxygen availability can fluctuate. In contrast to obligate aerobes, which strictly require oxygen, and obligate anaerobes, which cannot tolerate oxygen, facultative anaerobes demonstrate a unique metabolic flexibility. This characteristic distinguishes them from other options that either restrict their survival to an oxygen-rich environment or exclusively thrive under anaerobic conditions. Thus, the ability to live with or without oxygen is a defining feature of facultative anaerobes.