Which of the following is a reason an organism might use fermentation instead of aerobic respiration?

• A. To produce more ATP than glycolysis alone
• B. Lack of oxygen availability
• C. Presence of abundant oxygen
• D. Higher energy yield compared to aerobic respiration

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic difference between aerobic respiration and fermentation. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more ATP, while fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces less ATP.
2. Recognize that fermentation is an anaerobic process, meaning it does not require oxygen. This is a key reason why organisms might use fermentation instead of aerobic respiration.
3. Consider the environmental conditions that might lead an organism to use fermentation. If oxygen is scarce or unavailable, fermentation becomes a necessary alternative to continue producing energy.
4. Evaluate the energy yield of fermentation compared to aerobic respiration. Fermentation produces less ATP than aerobic respiration, which is why it is not preferred when oxygen is available.
5. Conclude that the primary reason an organism might use fermentation is due to the lack of oxygen availability, allowing the organism to continue generating energy in anaerobic conditions.