Which tree yields the type of timber commonly known as porcupine wood?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Coconut tree

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Many competitive exams include questions about the commercial names of different types of wood and the trees that produce them. These questions test awareness of basic botany, agriculture, and everyday materials used in industry. The term "porcupine wood" is one such trade or common name used for a particular type of timber. This question asks candidates to identify which tree yields wood known as porcupine wood.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Porcupine wood is a commercial or colloquial name used for wood from a particular tree.
  • Options are Teak, Mahogany, Coconut tree, and Pine.
  • We assume that the question refers to general science or general knowledge usage common in exam material.


Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall that many non timber forest products and palm based products are associated with special trade names. In exam oriented general knowledge, porcupine wood is linked with the coconut tree, whose trunk provides a distinctive fibrous timber that can show a speckled or streaked appearance somewhat reminiscent of porcupine quills. Knowing this association allows the candidate to select the right option immediately.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Ignore the more famous high value hardwoods such as Teak and Mahogany at first, because they are usually known by their own names and not by nicknames like porcupine wood. Step 2: Consider Pine, which is a softwood used for construction and furniture, but is typically not referred to as porcupine wood in standard exam references. Step 3: Recall that in many general science notes, the trunk of the coconut tree and its timber are described under the heading of porcupine wood. Step 4: Recognise that the coconut tree is a palm and that its fibrous, patterned wood is linked to this common name. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is Coconut tree.


Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by checking school level botany or agricultural science summaries where coconut products are listed. In some reference tables, coconut timber is explicitly mentioned as being called porcupine wood. Cross checking with multiple general knowledge compilations used for exams will repeat the same association, confirming that coconut tree is the correct choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Teak: Teak is a highly valued hardwood with its own strong brand identity and is simply called teak in trade. There is no standard reference that calls teak porcupine wood.
Mahogany: Like teak, mahogany is known by its own name and is not identified as porcupine wood in common usage or exam material.
Pine: Pine is widely used softwood, but the term porcupine wood is not the standard common name for pine in textbooks or examination guides.


Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates assume that because teak and mahogany are prominent timbers, any special sounding name must refer to them. Another pitfall is unfamiliarity with the many uses of the coconut tree, which is sometimes called a tree of life because almost every part is used: fruit, leaves, husk, and trunk. Ignoring the coconut trunk as a source of timber leads to missing this question.


Final Answer:
The tree that yields the timber commonly referred to as porcupine wood is the coconut tree.

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