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Question

Difficulty: HardLumbering and Forestry in Africa

A timber processing firm operating in the equatorial rainforest zone of Central Africa requires dense, durable wood for high-grade joinery and cabinet making. Which of the following options correctly identifies an indigenous timber species from this zone, its wood classification, and its primary economic application?

  1. Sapele — Hardwood — Heavy, durable timber used extensively for veneer production, joinery, and furniture making.Answer
  2. B
    Iroko — Softwood — Light, resinous timber extracted primarily for industrial paper pulp manufacturing.
  3. C
    African Mahogany — Softwood — Fast-growing coniferous wood suitable for light packaging and temporary formwork.
  4. D
    Obeche — Softwood — Soft coniferous timber harvested specifically for structural railway sleepers.

Answer

Sapele is an indigenous broad-leaved tropical hardwood species valued for veneer production, high-grade joinery, and durable furniture manufacturing.
The option selecting Sapele accurately classifies it as an indigenous broad-leaved tropical hardwood from African rainforests and correctly highlights its major commercial applications in veneer production and fine joinery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the climatic and vegetation zone specified in the stem.
The equatorial rainforest zone of West and Central Africa predominantly produces tropical hardwoods.
Rainforest environments are dominated by broad-leaved angiosperm tree species rather than temperate gymnosperm conifers.
2
Classify the listed timber species into hardwoods vs softwoods.
Sapele, Iroko, African Mahogany, and Obeche are all tropical broad-leaved hardwoods.
Classifying any of these broad-leaved African forest trees as softwoods is a botanical and economic misattribution.
3
Match the timber species to its true economic property and application.
Sapele provides dense, finely grained timber widely used for furniture, joinery, and decorative veneers.
This correctly pairs the species, its broad-leaved hardwood classification, and its primary commercial use.

Key Concept

Classification and Economic Attributes of African Tropical Hardwoods
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Topics

Lumbering and Forestry in Africa

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