Hardwood is defined as which of the following?

• A. Softwood
• B. Broadleaf
• C. Coniferous
• D. Hardwood

Answer: (D)

Hardwood refers to wood from broadleaf trees, which are angiosperms and usually deciduous, in contrast to softwood from conifers. In forestry, the category is defined by the type of trees: hardwoods come from broadleaf species, while softwoods come from conifers. The question asks for the term that names this category, so the best choice is the word hardwood itself. Remember that, in practice, hardwoods are typically from broadleaf trees, whereas softwoods come from conifers.