Which type of wood is characterized as darker and more dense, growing in the fall and winter?

The correct answer is latewood. This type of wood is produced by trees during the later part of the growing season, typically in the fall and winter. Latewood cells are smaller and denser than those produced during the early part of the growing season, which contributes to its darker appearance and greater density. This density makes latewood more resistant to damage and decay, giving it characteristics that are often preferred for various construction and woodworking applications.

In contrast, earlywood develops in the spring and early summer when growth is rapid, resulting in larger and lighter-colored cells that are less dense. Heartwood is the inner core of a tree that provides structural support and may be darker due to the accumulation of various compounds over time, but it does not specifically relate to the seasonal growth periods. Sapwood, on the other hand, is the outer layer of the tree that conducts water and nutrients and does not have the characteristics of density and dark coloration associated with latewood. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific role and properties of latewood in tree growth.