The amount of energy released in aerobic respiration is greater than the amount of energy released in anaerobic respiration.
The process of acquiring oxygen from outside the body, and to use it in the process of break-down of food sources for cellular needs, is what we call respiration.
Respiration is an exothermic reaction, it releases energy.
If respiration takes place in the presence of air (oxygen), it is called aerobic respiration.
Aerobic respiration converts glucose into energy and makes two waste products: carbon dioxide and water.
Animals remove carbon dioxide from their bodies when they breathe out.
When the respiration is done in the absence of oxygen, it is called anaerobic respiration.
In anaerobic respiration, glucose breaks down without oxygen.
Anaerobic respiration produces lactic acid, rather than carbon dioxide and water, as in the case of aerobic respiration.
Unfortunately, this can lead to painful muscle cramps.