Final answer:
Small wood frames have characteristics of strength, durability, resistance to decay from high tannin content, and specialized tracheids for water transport. Cedar family members exemplify these features with their durable and colored wood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The performance characteristics of a small wood frame include its strength and durability, resistance to moisture and pests, and ease of construction. Wood, particularly that from members of the cedar family, is high in tannins, which contribute to its durability by enhancing its resistance to decay.
Additionally, cedar wood's color is a characteristic linked to the presence of tannins.
The tracheids, which are the cells responsible for water conduction, have adaptations allowing them to function under the extreme tensions necessary for water transport in tall trees. The adaptations in the tracheids, especially in the uppermost leaves, include the ability to collapse, ensuring the wood frame can support the transport system under the given stresses.