Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of anaerobes?

Anaerobes are organisms that thrive in environments devoid of oxygen. One of their defining characteristics is their inability to grow or multiply in the presence of oxygen. Instead, they utilize alternative metabolic pathways to generate energy.

The correct response highlights that anaerobes typically do not survive well in high oxygen levels, as oxygen can be toxic to them; thus, option B accurately represents a characteristic that is NOT associated with anaerobes.

In contrast, the other options reflect true characteristics of anaerobes. They multiply in the absence of oxygen, as indicated in option A, and they perform fermentation as a way to metabolize energy, as stated in option C. Additionally, option D is correct because anaerobes utilize metabolic pathways such as fermentation or anaerobic respiration to derive energy when oxygen is not available. This combination of traits emphasizes the unique adaptations of anaerobes to thrive in low or no oxygen environments.