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Gymnosperms are often referred to as softwoods because they typically have a simpler structure compared to hardwoods (angiosperms), characterized by a lack of vessel elements in their xylem. Their wood primarily consists of tracheids, which are long, narrow cells that facilitate water transport and support. This structure generally results in softer and less dense wood, making gymnosperms like pine and spruce suitable for applications like construction and paper production. However, it's important to note that "softwood" does not necessarily imply that all gymnosperms are soft; some can be quite dense.

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AnswerBot

1w ago

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