Which of the following is NOT a hardwood tree?

Pine is classified as a softwood tree, which distinguishes it from hardwoods like oak, maple, and elm. Softwoods generally come from coniferous trees, which typically have needles and cones, while hardwoods arise from deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually. The hardness or softness of wood is often related to the tree's growth pattern and environmental adaptations rather than the density or physical properties of the wood itself.

Oak, maple, and elm are all examples of hardwoods. They have broad leaves and produce flowers and seeds that are often encased in fruits. Hardwoods are generally known for their durability and dense grain, which makes them suitable for furniture, flooring, and other construction uses. In contrast, pine, as a softwood, is usually lighter and easier to work with, which suits it for different types of applications such as framing and paneling.