Anoxybiosis

/ænɒksɪbaɪˈoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

Life or biological processes occurring in the complete absence of oxygen; anaerobic existence of organisms.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'oxys' (oxygen) + 'biosis' (life, living). A biological term combining multiple Greek roots to describe oxygen-free life.

Kelly Says

Some bacteria practice anoxybiosis in deep ocean vents and swamps—they've evolved to thrive without any oxygen at all. They're some of the oldest life forms on Earth, predating the Great Oxidation Event!

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