Which hardwood is NOT listed as a hard angiosperm?

The correct answer is that fir is not categorized as a hard angiosperm. In the context of botanical classification, angiosperms are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit. Among the types of angiosperms, hardwoods are derived from trees that fall under this category and typically exhibit denser wood. Walnut, cherry, and birch are all examples of hard angiosperms, known for their wood characteristics, including density and strength, which make them useful for various applications such as furniture making and flooring.

On the other hand, fir belongs to a group called gymnosperms, specifically the coniferous trees. Gymnosperms are characterized by their needle-like leaves and cones, and they do not produce flowers or seeds enclosed in fruits, which distinguishes them from angiosperms. Therefore, fir does not fit the criteria of being a hard angiosperm, making it the correct choice in this question.