What knot is frequently used as a stopper end of rope and serves as a starting point for many knots?

The figure eight knot is commonly recognized as a stopper knot, primarily due to its capacity to prevent the end of a rope from slipping through a variety of devices and fittings. It creates a bulky end that effectively stops the rope, making it particularly useful in scenarios such as climbing, sailing, and rigging.

The versatility of the figure eight knot also lies in its utility as a foundation for other knots. By tying a figure eight opportunely, one can easily alter it into other configurations like the figure eight follow-through knot or the figure eight on a bight, which further enhances its functional applications. Thus, it serves both as an effective stopper and a starting point for a range of other knots, illustrating its significant role in knot tying and rigging practices.

In contrast, the other knots mentioned serve different purposes. The square or reef knot is typically used for joining two ropes of similar size, while the bowline knot creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope without slipping. The overhand knot, while it can act as a stopper in some situations, does not provide the same structural integrity or versatility as the figure eight knot. Therefore, the correct option emphasizes the central role of the figure eight knot in both practical and educational contexts in the field