[chongli]

Right, though the evolution of photosynthesis in early anaerobic microorganisms and then their ability to adapt to the oxygen they produced is quite amazing. Oxygen itself is also really fascinating when talking about life because its oxidizing power accelerates the life that makes use of it.

As many experienced gardeners with compost piles know, anaerobic decomposition is much slower and messier than aerobic. Regularly turning the compost pile helps aerate it and makes the aerobic decomposers thrive.