Gymnospermic wood is soft wood because

Options

A. it is very soft like a sponge
B. it is without fibers and vessels
C. it is nonporus and parenchymatous
D. all the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Wood Types**:
- Wood is classified into two main types: hard wood (porous) and soft wood (non-porous).
- Hard wood contains a significant amount of vessels, while soft wood has very few vessels.

2. **Characteristics of Gymnospermic Wood**:
- Gymnospermic wood is categorized as soft wood. This classification is due to its structural composition.
- It is primarily composed of tracheids, which are long, narrow cells that facilitate water transport and provide structural support.

3. **Vessel Presence**:
- In hard wood, vessels make up about 90-95% of the structure, contributing to its hardness.
- In contrast, gymnospermic wood has very few vessels, which is a characteristic of soft wood.

4. **Xylem Fibers**:
- Hard wood contains a higher percentage of xylem fibers, which contribute to its density and hardness.
- Gymnospermic wood has fewer xylem fibers, making it less dense and softer.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Gymnospermic wood is classified as soft wood because it is non-porous, contains very few vessels, and has a higher proportion of tracheids compared to xylem fibers.

6. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question "Gymnospermic wood is soft wood because" is that it is non-porous, contains fewer vessels, and has a higher percentage of tracheids. The best option would be "all of the above."

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