Definition: The word 'anaerobes' in Greek literally means "not living or not alive." It refers to a substance that cannot survive within the cell nucleus, mitochondria, or chloroplasts (eukaryotic cells) but still exists as an organism's basic biological component. In other words, anaerobic organisms do not require oxygen for their survival. They are typically found in aquatic environments where they live in small communities of microorganisms. Examples include bacteria, archaea, and certain fungi.