What type of wood is classified as hardwood?

Wood classified as hardwood typically comes from deciduous trees, which are trees that lose their leaves annually. This distinction is important because hardwoods generally have a denser structure and different physical characteristics compared to softwoods, which come from coniferous trees. The hardwood category includes a wide range of species, many of which are used in furniture, cabinetry, and high-quality woodwork due to their strength and aesthetic appeal.

The other choices do not accurately define hardwood. While wood from cone-bearing trees refers to conifers or softwoods, the definitions involving carvability and water resistance do not inherently categorize the wood as hardwood or softwood. Thus, the identification of hardwood as wood from trees that lose their leaves annually is crucial for understanding the differences in wood types and their applications in the field of mortuary science and woodworking.