Exemplar Problems

Question:

Differentiate between heartwood and sapwood.

Answer:

Heartwood and sapwood are two types of wood found in trees, especially those undergoing secondary growth. Heartwood is the inner, older portion of the wood, typically darker and denser. It no longer conducts water and is often impregnated with resins and other substances, providing structural support and resistance to pests and decay. Sapwood, on the other hand, is the outer, younger portion, lighter in color, and actively involved in the transport of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. Over time, sapwood transitions into heartwood as the tree ages.