Which of the following woods is known to be decay resistant?

Bald cypress is known for its natural resistance to decay, making it an ideal choice for applications where the wood may be exposed to moisture or soil, such as in outdoor construction projects or in damp environments. This decay resistance is largely due to the presence of natural oils and compounds in the wood that help protect it from fungal growth and other decomposing agents.

In contrast, while some woods such as maple, pine, and birch may have their own qualities and uses, they do not exhibit the same level of decay resistance as bald cypress. Pine and birch, for example, tend to be more susceptible to rot when exposed to moisture over time, and while maple is a durable wood, it is not recognized for decay resistance to the same extent as bald cypress. Thus, for environments where longevity and resistance to decay are crucial, bald cypress stands out as the most suitable choice.