Question

which statement comparing algal biofuels to fossil fuels is false?
both fossil fuel and algal biofuel produce extremely high amounts of energy for the production cost.
it takes millions of years to replenish the fossil fuel supply, but only 12 hours for algae to double in volume.
algal biofuels have lower negative environmental impact compared to fossil fuels.
both algal biofuel and fossil fuel production have limited land requirements.

Explanation:

Fossil fuel production (e.g., oil drilling, coal mining) has relatively limited land needs per unit energy, but algal biofuel production requires significant land or water surface area (even with efficient systems) to grow enough algae for meaningful fuel output. Thus, the claim that both have limited land requirements is false. The other statements are true: algal biofuels have lower environmental impact, fossil fuels take millions of years to replenish while algae grow rapidly, and both have high energy return relative to production cost (though algal biofuels are improving in cost efficiency).

Answer:

D. Both algal biofuel and fossil fuel production have limited land requirements.