What type of respiration requires oxygen?

Aerobic respiration is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the process of producing cellular energy using oxygen. In aerobic respiration, glucose (or other organic molecules) is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and a significant amount of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process takes place in the mitochondria of cells and is essential for the efficient production of energy, particularly in organisms that require high energy levels, such as mammals.

In contrast, anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and typically leads to the production of less energy along with byproducts such as lactic acid in animals or alcohol and carbon dioxide in yeast. Cellular respiration is a broader term that encompasses both aerobic and anaerobic processes, but the question specifically asks for the type that requires oxygen. Fermentation, similar to anaerobic respiration, also does not involve oxygen and produces energy through alternative pathways. Thus, aerobic respiration stands out as the process that necessitates the presence of oxygen for its mechanism.