Which term best describes wood that is generally light, easily cut, and cone-bearing?

• A. Hardwood
• B. Softwood
• C. Broadleaf
• D. Fire Triangle

Answer: (B)

Softwoods describe trees that are cone-bearing, typically from the conifer family, and their wood is usually lighter in weight and easier to cut and work with than that of hardwoods. This combination—cone-bearing trees producing wood that’s generally lighter and easier to cut—best fits the description.

Hardwoods come from broadleaf deciduous trees and are typically denser and harder to work with. Broadleaf refers to those hardwood trees, not cone-bearing types. The Fire Triangle is about the conditions needed for fire and isn’t related to wood type. So the term that matches the description is softwood.