Final answer:
The total depreciation recognized over an asset's service life is the same for all depreciation methods, but the depreciation recognized during the earlier years differs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The depreciation methods differ in several ways, but one thing that does not differ among them is the total depreciation recognized over the asset's service life. This is because the total depreciation is ultimately determined by the original cost of the asset and its estimated salvage value, which remain constant regardless of the depreciation method used.
On the other hand, the depreciation recognized during the earlier years does differ among the different depreciation methods. Some methods, such as the straight-line method, allocate an equal amount of depreciation expense each year, while others, such as the declining balance method, allocate more depreciation in the earlier years and less in the later years.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is b. depreciation recognized during the earlier years.