These processes are also important in biological responses to pollution; for example, sulfate-reducing bacteria are largely responsible for the production of the highly toxic forms of mercury (methyl- and dimethylmercury) in the environment. Non-respiratory anaerobes use fermentation to generate energy and reducing power, secreting metabolic by-products (such as ethanol in brewing) as waste. Facultative anaerobes <answer>can switch between fermentation and different terminal electron acceptors</answer> depending on the environmental conditions in which they find themselves.
How can anaerobes adjust to the surrounding environment?
can switch between fermentation and different terminal electron acceptors