Question

List three factors that will vary the amount of methane gas produced by an animal.

A. Diet, age, and body size
B. Temperature, humidity, and altitude
C. Exercise, sleep, and social interactions
D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The factors that can vary the amount of methane produced by an animal are diet, age, and body size. These factors impact the microbial composition of the gut and, consequently, affect methane production during digestion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which factors vary the amount of methane gas produced by an animal. The correct choice is A), which includes diet, age, and body size. These particular factors influence the amount of methane because of the following reasons:

• Diet: The type of food consumed by animals, especially ruminants like cows, can affect the microbial composition of the gut, which in turn influences the production of methane during digestion.
• Age: The digestive system of an animal changes as it ages, which can affect methane production rates.
• Body Size: Larger animals typically consume more food, which can lead to greater methane production.

Agricultural activities are major contributors to CH4 emissions, and methane is also a significant component of natural gas. Methanogens, a type of archaea, produce methane under anaerobic conditions like those found in the intestines of herbivores or in rice paddies.