Which term refers to bacteria that can survive in varying oxygen levels?

Facultative anaerobes are a type of bacteria that can thrive in both the presence and absence of oxygen. This means they have the metabolic flexibility to utilize oxygen when it is available, but can also switch to anaerobic metabolism when oxygen levels are low or absent. This adaptability allows facultative anaerobes to survive in diverse environments, making them particularly resilient in changing conditions.

In contrast, obligate anaerobes require an environment devoid of oxygen to survive, as oxygen can be toxic to them. Aerobes, on the other hand, thrive only in oxygen-rich environments and cannot adapt to lower oxygen levels. Other potential terms, like "enterprise anaerobes," do not correctly categorize bacteria based on their oxygen requirements. Therefore, the correct term that accurately describes bacteria capable of surviving in varying oxygen levels is facultative anaerobes.