Can energy be produced in the human body without the presence of oxygen? explain the reasoning behind your answer.

Yes. 

The process where organisms generate energy without the presence of oxygen is called anaerobic respiration. One example in human is where muscles undergo anaerobic respiration during exercises. the body uses glucose from food and converted into lactic acid and energy. Oxygen cannot supply enough energy so anaerobic respiration must occur.

However in human, anaerobic respiration produces oxygen debt, and that's why we breathe harder and more rapid after exercise. 

But meanwhile during exercise or vigorous activities, yes, the body can undergo anaerobic respiration to produce energy in the absence of oxygen.

Anaerobic respiration is a type of respiration that doesn't use oxygen. It's used when there's not enough oxygen for aerobic respiration. It can be summarized by this equation: Glucose > Lactic acid (+ energy released)

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