Here's a breakdown:
* Organism: This could be a bacterium, fungus, plant, animal, or any other living being.
* Requires oxygen: This means the organism's metabolic processes depend on the presence of oxygen. They use oxygen as an electron acceptor in their respiration, which is the process of converting food into energy.
Contrast with Anaerobes: Anaerobes, on the other hand, can survive and thrive in the absence of oxygen. Some anaerobes are even poisoned by oxygen.
Note: There are also facultative anaerobes which can switch between using oxygen and not using it.
