Microbes that are adapted to oil are called oil-degrading microbes. These microbes have evolved to use oil as their primary source of carbon and energy. They are found naturally in oil-rich environments, such as oil reservoirs, oil spills, and oil-contaminated soil and water.

Oil-degrading microbes are classified into two groups: aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic microbes require oxygen to break down the oil, while anaerobic microbes can function in environments with little to no oxygen. Some examples of aerobic oil-degrading microbes include Pseudomonas, Alcanivorax, and Rhodococcus. Anaerobic oil-degrading microbes include Desulfobacula, Desulfotomaculum, and Methanococcus.

These microbes play an essential role in the natural cleanup of oil spills and leaks. They break down the oil into simpler compounds that can be used as a source of food and energy by other organisms in the ecosystem. In some cases, oil-degrading microbes can be used to clean up oil spills intentionally. This process is called bioremediation, where microbes are introduced into the contaminated environment to speed up the breakdown of the oil.

Overall, oil-degrading microbes are an important part of the natural environment and can be harnessed for bioremediation efforts to clean up oil spills and leaks.