Multiple studies using comparative phylogenetic analyses have been published in an attempt to clarify the evolutionary relationships between Bacillus species, resulting in the establishment of numerous novel genera such as Alkalihalobacillus, Brevibacillus, Solibacillus, Alicyclobacillus and Virgibacillus.

Most members of this genus are aerobic or facultatively anaerobic and are found in diverse locations such as hypersaline lakes, coastal regions and soil.

The majority of species from this genus are alkaliphilic and halophilic/tolerant, and thus they are able to grow in alkaline conditions, with the optimal growth rate being in the pH range of 9–10 with 1-5% NaCl.

Some species are able to produce enzymes such as cellulases and proteases, which are used in laundry detergent manufacturing, xylanases for the pulp paper sector[further explanation needed] and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase for starch treatment.

[2] In addition, A. clausii is diazotrophic and able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia[14] and it is also able to produce antimicrobial compounds for the manufacturing of probiotic.