B.S.F. or B.Sc.F. Bachelor of Science in Forestry Wood Science and Timber Technology

Question 1

Which anatomical feature distinguishes hardwoods (angiosperms) from softwoods (gymnosperms) in wood structure?

Accepted Answer

Presence of vessels (pores) for water conduction

Answer

Presence of resin canals

Answer

Absence of annual rings

Answer

Presence of bordered pit pairs in tracheids

Question 2

What is 'wood specific gravity' (relative density) and why does it matter to forest products?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of wood density to the density of water, indicating strength and stiffness properties

Answer

The weight of a cubic foot of green wood

Answer

The ratio of heartwood to sapwood in a stem

Answer

The moisture content at which wood begins to shrink

Question 3

The fiber saturation point (FSP) in wood is significant because:

Accepted Answer

Below it, wood begins to shrink, swell, and change mechanical properties as moisture changes

Answer

Above it, wood continues to gain strength as moisture increases

Answer

It marks the point at which wood becomes combustible

Answer

It is the moisture content at which wood is sold commercially

Question 4

In US lumber grading, 'green lumber' refers to wood that:

Accepted Answer

Has a moisture content above 19% (not yet seasoned)

Answer

Has been kiln-dried to below 15% moisture content

Answer

Has been pressure-treated with preservatives

Answer

Is cut from young second-growth forests

Question 5

Lignin in wood cell walls serves primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Bind and stiffen the cellulose framework, providing compressive strength and decay resistance

Answer

Store carbohydrate energy for the tree

Answer

Provide tensile strength along the grain

Answer

Transport water through the sapwood

Question 6

The difference between 'heartwood' and 'sapwood' in a tree stem is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Sapwood is the outer, physiologically active zone that conducts water; heartwood is the inner dead zone often darker in color

Answer

Heartwood conducts water; sapwood is dead and non-functional

Answer

Heartwood is always softer than sapwood

Answer

Sapwood contains more resin than heartwood in all species