Microorganisms can be classified based on their nutritional requirements and environmental tolerances. There are three main ways they are classified: 1. By their carbon and energy sources. Organisms are either heterotrophs that require organic carbon or autotrophs that can use carbon dioxide. They also differ in their energy sources as either phototrophs using light or chemotrophs using chemicals. 2. By their oxygen requirements. Microbes are aerobic and require oxygen, anaerobic and live without oxygen, or facultative and can live with or without oxygen. 3. By their temperature, pH, and other environmental tolerances. Organisms have optimal and minimum conditions for growth and are classified