Which of the following is a characteristic of fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are primarily composed of hydrocarbons derived from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. A fundamental characteristic of fossil fuels is that they release energy through combustion, a chemical reaction where these fuels are burned in the presence of oxygen. This process not only produces heat energy that can be harnessed for various uses, such as powering engines or generating electricity, but also results in the emission of byproducts, including carbon dioxide and other gases.

The other options present characteristics that do not apply to fossil fuels. For example, fossil fuels take millions of years to form, making them non-renewable and not quickly replenishable. Additionally, fossil fuels are organic in nature and not solely composed of minerals, and they do indeed have a carbon footprint due to the greenhouse gases emitted during combustion, which contribute to climate change. Therefore, the ability of fossil fuels to release energy through combustion is a key characteristic that defines them.