Final answer:
The aerobic microbial population includes facultative anaerobes, obligate aerobes, Nitrifying bacteria, molds, and worms. They all contribute to a dynamic biofilm environment where metabolic collaborations between different species occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aerobic microbial population consists of facultative anaerobes, obligate aerobes, Nitrifying bacteria, molds such as Penicillium and Aspergillus, and worms growing on the media.
Facultative anaerobes can utilize oxygen but can also grow in their absence by fermentation or anaerobic respiration, while obligate aerobes require oxygen to survive. Nitrifying bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate. Molds like Penicillium and Aspergillus are ubiquitous fungi that can grow on various media and are used for antibiotic production.
Additionally, various microorganisms work synergistically in a biofilm where the waste product of one organism can serve as a nutrient for another. Examples of this interaction include aerobic microorganisms consuming oxygen, which then creates anaerobic regions that support the growth of anaerobic bacteria.