Question

which of the following best describes an advantage of burning biomass rather than burning fossil fuels in developing countries?
a biomass production requires less open space than fossil fuel extraction does, so land is available for other purposes.
b burning biomass is associated with fewer human respiratory concerns than fossil fuels are because it does not give off sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.
c biomass production is cheaper than fossil fuel extraction, making it more readily available for use.
d burning biomass is more efficient than burning fossil fuels, providing more available energy from less of the resource.

Explanation:

• Option A: Biomass production (e.g., growing energy crops) often requires significant open - space for cultivation, while fossil - fuel extraction (like some forms of coal mining in small areas or natural - gas extraction in relatively compact setups) may not always require more space. So this option is incorrect.
• Option B: Burning biomass can still produce particulate matter and other pollutants that can affect human respiratory health. And while it may have lower sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to some fossil - fuel combustion (e.g., high - sulfur coal), it is not “associated with fewer human respiratory concerns” in a general sense. So this option is incorrect.
• Option C: Biomass production (growing, harvesting, and transporting biomass feedstocks) can be relatively cheaper than complex fossil - fuel extraction processes (e.g., deep - sea oil drilling, extensive coal - mining infrastructure). In developing countries, where cost is a major factor, cheaper production makes biomass more accessible.
• Option D: Fossil fuels generally have a higher energy density (more energy per unit mass or volume) compared to biomass. So burning biomass is not more efficient in terms of energy output per unit of the resource. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Biomass production is cheaper than fossil fuel extraction, making it more readily available for use.