Which of the following materials take the longest time to decompose?

Options

A. Paper
B. Cotton clothes
C. Plastic bags
D. Leather shoes

Explanation

To determine which of the following materials takes the longest time to decompose, we need to analyze the characteristics of biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Biodegradable vs. Non-biodegradable**:
- **Biodegradable substances** are materials that can be decomposed by microorganisms into simpler, non-toxic substances. Examples include food waste, paper, and cotton.
- **Non-biodegradable substances** are materials that do not decompose easily and can persist in the environment for a long time. Examples include plastics, metals, and glass.

2. **Identifying the Materials**:
- The question likely presents a list of materials. Common examples include:
- Paper
- Plastic bags
- Leather shoes
- Cotton clothes

3. **Analyzing Decomposition Times**:
- **Paper**: Typically decomposes within a few weeks to months.
- **Cotton clothes**: Can take several months to a few years to decompose.
- **Leather shoes**: May take several years to decompose.
- **Plastic bags**: Known to take a significantly longer time, ranging from 70 to 450 years to decompose.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Among the materials listed, plastic bags take the longest time to decompose, making them the correct answer.

### Final Answer:
Plastic bags take the longest time to decompose (70 to 450 years).

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