The following question is based on the text. Pines are some of the best-known plants around the world. They are among the most commercially important tree species valued for their timber and wood pulp throughout the world. Many pines are also cultivated as ornamentals, and some are planted in reforestation projects or for windbreaks. The pines are a family of around 250 woody, seed-producing plants. They include conifers such as cedars, spruces, firs and pines. Of all the conifers, the pines have one of the largest distributions although they are found almost entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. Pines can be either trees or shrubs. They are all woody, branching plants and grow into the iconic cone shape that pines are famous for. From the top of the tree or shrub, a single ring of new branches each year which creates a gradual increase in length from the newest to oldest branches. They typically have thick bark and possess needle-like leaves and hardened cones. Most species are evergreen and their leaves are typically long-lived. Leaves of the bristlecone pine, Pinus longaeva , are known to live for up to 40 years. (Adapted from www. basicbiology.net ) The whole passage above provides general information on pine, but what makes the first paragraph different from the other two?

Question

The following question is based on the text.

Pines are some of the best-known plants around the world. They are among the most commercially important tree species valued for their timber and wood pulp throughout the world. Many pines are also cultivated as ornamentals, and some are planted in reforestation projects or for windbreaks.

The pines are a family of around 250 woody, seed-producing plants. They include conifers such as cedars, spruces, firs and pines. Of all the conifers, the pines have one of the largest distributions although they are found almost entirely in the Northern Hemisphere.

Pines can be either trees or shrubs. They are all woody, branching plants and grow into the iconic cone shape that pines are famous for. From the top of the tree or shrub, a single ring of new branches each year which creates a gradual increase in length from the newest to oldest branches. They typically have thick bark and possess needle-like leaves and hardened cones. Most species are evergreen and their leaves are typically long-lived. Leaves of the bristlecone pine, Pinus longaeva, are known to live for up to 40 years.

(Adapted from www. basicbiology.net)

The whole passage above provides general information on pine, but what makes the first paragraph different from the other two?