Oil-degrading bacteria are a type of bacteria that are capable of breaking down hydrocarbons, which are the primary components of crude oil. These bacteria are important in bioremediation, as they can help to degrade oil spills and other hydrocarbon pollutants in the environment.

There are several types of oil-degrading bacteria, including:

1. Alcanivorax: This genus of bacteria is commonly found in marine environments and is known for its ability to break down hydrocarbons, including crude oil.
2. Pseudomonas: This genus of bacteria is found in many environments, including soil and water, and is known for its ability to degrade a wide range of hydrocarbons.
3. Bacillus: This genus of bacteria is commonly found in soil and has been shown to be effective at degrading a range of pollutants, including crude oil.
4. Rhodococcus: This genus of bacteria is found in soil and water and is known for its ability to degrade a range of pollutants, including hydrocarbons.
5. Sphingomonas: This genus of bacteria is commonly found in soil and has been shown to be effective at degrading a range of pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are found in crude oil.

Oil-degrading bacteria work by using enzymes to break down the hydrocarbons in oil into smaller, more manageable compounds. These compounds can then be further broken down by other microorganisms or absorbed by plants and animals.

Overall, oil-degrading bacteria are an important part of the natural ecosystem and are also useful in bioremediation efforts to clean up oil spills and other hydrocarbon pollutants in the environment.