The percentage of trecheids in soft wood is
(a) 5 − 10 %
(b) 90 − 95 %
(c) 15 − 25 %
(d) 35 − 45 %

Options

A. `5-10%`
B. `90-95%`
C. `15-25%`
D. `35-45%`

Answer

To solve the question regarding the percentage of tracheids in softwood, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Definition of Softwood**:
- Softwood is primarily derived from gymnosperms, which are a group of plants that do not produce flowers or fruits.

2. **Identify the Characteristics of Softwood**:
- Gymnosperms are characterized by the absence of vessels in their xylem. Instead, they predominantly contain tracheids.

3. **Recognize the Role of Tracheids**:
- Tracheids are elongated cells in the xylem that facilitate water conduction and provide structural support. They have thin cell walls and are essential for the functioning of the xylem in gymnosperms.

4. **Compare Softwood and Hardwood**:
- Hardwood, derived from angiosperms, contains both tracheids and vessels, leading to a denser and harder wood structure. In contrast, softwood has a higher percentage of tracheids and lacks vessels.

5. **Determine the Percentage of Tracheids in Softwood**:
- Based on the characteristics of softwood and the fact that gymnosperms have a high proportion of tracheids, it is established that the percentage of tracheids in softwood is typically between 90% to 95%.

6. **Select the Correct Option**:
- Given the options provided:
- (a) 5 − 10 %
- (b) 90 − 95 %
- (c) 15 − 25 %
- (d) 35 − 45 %
- The correct answer is (b) 90 − 95 %.

### Final Answer:
The percentage of tracheids in softwood is **(b) 90 − 95 %**.