Which type of tree typically has needle-like leaves?

Coniferous trees are characterized by their needle-like leaves, which are adaptations that help reduce water loss and withstand harsh environmental conditions. These leaves often remain on the tree for multiple years, allowing conifers to photosynthesize year-round in many climates. Common examples of coniferous trees include pines, spruces, and firs, all of which exhibit this distinctive type of foliage.

Broadleaf trees, in contrast, tend to have wider, flat leaves that are well-suited for capturing sunlight during the growing season but generally lose their leaves in the fall, as they are typically deciduous. Evergreen trees, while they retain their leaves throughout the year, can include both coniferous and broadleaf species, which makes this term less specific. Lastly, deciduous trees are typically identified by their seasonal leaf loss, leaving them bare in winter, which does not relate to the needle-like leaves found in coniferous varieties. Thus, coniferous trees are the correct choice when identifying trees with needle-like foliage.