You will be given a trivia clue, and the category it belongs to. You should answer with the best answer that belongs in the category and is described by the clue. For simplicity, answers should be in all lower cased letters.

Q: Category: BANDS 
Clue: This band's last surviving brother lives & records in St. Charles, Illinois, far from the ocean

A: the beach boys
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Q: Category: TREES 
Clue: This type of tree that includes the pecan is common in the eastern U.S., is noted for toughness & can live to 300

A: hickory
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Q: Category: THE USA 
Clue: In area, they're the largest & smallest states that joined the Union in the 19th century

A:
texas & west virginia
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