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

Hardwoods contain specialized vessel elements for water conduction, visible as pores in cross-section, which are absent in softwoods.

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

Specific gravity compares wood density to water; higher specific gravity generally correlates with greater mechanical strength, stiffness, and hardness of the wood.

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

Below the FSP (~28–30% moisture content), free water is gone and changes in bound water cause shrinkage, swelling, and changes in strength.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Green lumber retains high moisture content (above 19%) from the living tree and will shrink and potentially warp as it dries to equilibrium moisture content.

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

Lignin is a complex polymer that cements cellulose microfibrils together, giving wood its compressive strength and resistance to biological degradation.

B.S.F. or B.Sc.F. Bachelor of Science in Forestry Practice Test

B.S.F. or B.Sc.F. Bachelor of Science in Forestry Practice Test

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