Question

In the context of grass emitting methane, what is the relationship with the presence or absence of cows?

a. Methane emission increases without cows.
b. Methane emission remains the same without cows.
c. Grass decomposition without rot.
d. Dependency on the type of grass.

What is the estimated lifespan of methane in the atmosphere, and what processes contribute to its breakdown?

a. ~9.6 years; UV light and methanotrophs.
b. A few months; bacterial decomposition.
c. Indefinite; solely UV light.
d. ~5 years; methanogenic bacteria.

Answer 1

The presence of cows increases grass emission of methane due to the digestive process that produces methane as a waste product. When cows are absent, grass still emits some methane but at a lower rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The presence or absence of cows affects the relationship between grass and methane emission.

When cows are present, grass emits more methane due to the digestive process of the cows. Cows have methanogens in their stomachs that help break down cellulose, a tough carbohydrate found in plants, resulting in the production of methane as a waste product. This methane is then released into the atmosphere.

On the other hand, when cows are absent, the grass may still emit some methane through microbial decomposition of organic matter in the soil or by other sources, but the emission will generally be lower compared to when cows are present.