Which of the following is not a common type of bow?

The crossbow is a type of bow that is often used for hunting and target shooting, but it's not typically classified in the same way as the traditional varieties such as long bows, recurve bows, and compound bows. The long bow and recurve bow are both designed for traditional archery. The long bow is a tall, straight bow, while the recurve bow has tips that curve away from the archer when unstrung, allowing for more power and efficiency when shooting.

The compound bow utilizes a system of pulleys and cams to make drawing the string easier and to increase arrow speed. These three types—long bow, recurve bow, and compound bow—are well-established in the sport of archery and are commonly recognized among archers and hunters. In contrast, while crossbows are a popular choice, they operate quite differently from the traditional bows and often involve different regulations and techniques. Thus, the crossbow stands apart from the traditional categories of bows commonly encountered in discussions about archery.