Fruits

Subtopic: True and False Fruits

Keyword Definitions:
• Endocarp: Inner layer of fruit wall surrounding the seed.
• Mesocarp: Middle layer of fruit wall, often fleshy.
• Thalamus: Receptacle of a flower that may contribute to fruit formation.
• Seed: Mature ovule containing the embryo.
• True Fruit: Develops solely from the ovary.
• False Fruit: Develops from tissues other than the ovary, e.g., thalamus.
• Pericarp: Collective term for endocarp, mesocarp, and exocarp.
• Exocarp: Outer layer of fruit wall.
• Ovary: Part of flower that develops into fruit.
• Receptacle: Thalamus; swollen tip supporting floral organs.

Lead Question (2022):
Which part of the fruit, labelled in the given figure makes it a false fruit?
Options:
1. Endocarp
2. Thalamus
3. Seed
4. Mesocarp

Explanation: The correct answer is 2. Thalamus. In false fruits, additional floral parts such as the thalamus contribute to fruit formation along with the ovary. The ovary alone does not form the edible portion. Examples include apple and cashew, where the receptacle or other tissues make the fruit “false.”

Guessed MCQs:

1. Which layer of pericarp is typically fleshy in fruits?
Options:
(a) Endocarp
(b) Mesocarp
(c) Exocarp
(d) Thalamus
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Mesocarp. The mesocarp is the middle layer of the pericarp and is often fleshy and edible in many fruits like mango and peach. The exocarp forms the outer skin, endocarp surrounds the seed, and thalamus is not part of pericarp.

2. Which of the following is a true fruit?
Options:
(a) Apple
(b) Cashew
(c) Mango
(d) Strawberry
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) Mango. Mango develops entirely from the ovary and is a true fruit. Apple and cashew are false fruits due to additional thalamus contribution, while strawberry is an aggregate accessory fruit formed from multiple carpels and receptacle tissue.

3. Assertion-Reason MCQ:
Assertion (A): Apple is a false fruit.
Reason (R): Its fleshy part develops from the thalamus, not ovary alone.
Options:
(a) Both A and R are true, R explains A
(b) Both A and R are true, R does not explain A
(c) A is true, R is false
(d) A is false, R is true
Explanation: The correct answer is (a). In apple, the edible portion develops mainly from the thalamus, making it a false fruit. The actual ovary forms the core containing seeds. The additional tissue contribution distinguishes false fruits from true fruits, illustrating accessory structure involvement.

4. Matching Type MCQ:
Match the fruit with its type:
List - I List - II
(a) Mango (i) False fruit
(b) Apple (ii) True fruit
(c) Cashew (iii) Aggregate accessory fruit
Options:
1. a-ii, b-i, c-iii
2. a-i, b-ii, c-iii
3. a-iii, b-i, c-ii
4. a-ii, b-iii, c-i
Explanation: The correct answer is 1. Mango is a true fruit, developing solely from the ovary. Apple is false due to thalamus contribution, and cashew is aggregate accessory fruit formed from ovary and accessory tissue. This demonstrates classification based on origin of edible portion.

5. Which part of fruit protects the seed directly?
Options:
(a) Endocarp
(b) Mesocarp
(c) Thalamus
(d) Receptacle
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) Endocarp. The endocarp is the innermost layer of the pericarp surrounding the seed. It provides protection from mechanical damage and desiccation. Mesocarp and exocarp are outer layers, while thalamus is accessory tissue, not directly enclosing the seed.

6. Which fruit develops mainly from non-ovary tissues?
Options:
(a) Mango
(b) Apple
(c) Guava
(d) Papaya
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Apple. False fruits like apple have fleshy edible parts derived from thalamus or other floral structures in addition to the ovary. True fruits like mango, guava, and papaya develop primarily from ovary tissue alone.

7. Fill in the Blanks:
A __________ fruit forms from tissues other than the ovary.
Options:
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Aggregate
(d) Drupe
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) False. False or accessory fruits develop from ovary and additional floral parts such as thalamus or receptacle. True fruits form solely from ovary tissue. This distinction is important in plant morphology and fruit classification.

8. Single Correct Answer:
Which layer of the fruit wall is innermost?
Options:
(a) Mesocarp
(b) Exocarp
(c) Endocarp
(d) Thalamus
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) Endocarp. The endocarp surrounds and protects the seed. Mesocarp is the middle fleshy layer, exocarp is the outer skin, and thalamus is accessory tissue, contributing to false fruit formation in some species.

9. Which fruit type is apple classified as?
Options:
(a) True fruit
(b) False fruit
(c) Drupe
(d) Capsule
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) False fruit. Apple develops from ovary and additional thalamus tissue. The edible portion is mainly thalamus, distinguishing it from true fruits, which develop solely from ovary, and drupes, which have hard endocarp enclosing the seed.

10. Choose the correct statements:
(i) Mango is a true fruit
(ii) Apple is a false fruit
(iii) Endocarp directly protects seeds
(iv) Thalamus contributes to false fruits
Options:
(a) i, ii, iii
(b) i, ii, iv
(c) ii, iii, iv
(d) i, iii, iv
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) i, ii, iv. Mango is a true fruit formed solely from the ovary. Apple is a false fruit with thalamus contribution. Endocarp protects seeds, but thalamus does not, highlighting distinctions between true and false fruits and their structural components.

Subtopic: Fruit Formation

Keyword Definitions:

• Thalamus (Receptacle): The part of a flower stalk to which floral organs are attached; may contribute to fruit formation.

• False Fruit: Fruit in which part other than ovary contributes, e.g., apple.

• True Fruit: Fruit developed entirely from the ovary, e.g., tomato.

• Aggregate Fruit: Fruit formed from multiple carpels of a single flower, e.g., strawberry.

• Parthenocarpic Fruit: Fruit developed without fertilization, may be seedless, e.g., banana.

Lead Question - 2020 (COVID Reexam)

In some plants, the thalamus contributes to fruit formation. Such fruits are termed as:

1. False fruits
2. Aggregate fruits
3. True fruits
4. Parthenocarpic fruit

Explanation: Fruits in which thalamus or other floral parts contribute to fruit structure are called false or pseudocarps. Example includes apple, where fleshy part is thalamus. True fruits develop solely from ovary. Aggregate and parthenocarpic fruits involve other formation mechanisms. Answer: Option 1.

1. True fruit develops from:

1. Ovary only
2. Thalamus
3. Pedicel
4. Receptacle

Explanation: True fruits develop entirely from the ovary after fertilization. The pericarp is derived from ovary wall. Structures like thalamus or receptacle are not involved. Examples include tomato, guava. Answer: Option 1.

2. Aggregate fruit forms from:

1. Single ovary
2. Multiple carpels of single flower
3. Multiple flowers
4. Ovary and thalamus

Explanation: Aggregate fruits develop from multiple free carpels of a single flower, each forming a small fruit, e.g., strawberry, raspberry. Multiple flowers forming fruit yield multiple fruits or composite fruits. Answer: Option 2.

3. Parthenocarpic fruits are:

1. Seedless
2. With seeds
3. Formed from receptacle
4. Only dry fruits

Explanation: Parthenocarpic fruits develop without fertilization of ovules and are usually seedless, e.g., banana, cucumber. Fertilization is absent, but the fruit forms naturally or induced by hormones. Answer: Option 1.

4. Assertion (A): Apple is a false fruit.
Reason (R): Fleshy part develops from thalamus and not ovary.

1. Both A and R are true, R is correct explanation
2. Both A and R are true, R not correct explanation
3. A true, R false
4. A false, R true

Explanation: Apple is a false fruit because the edible fleshy part is derived from thalamus, not the ovary. Ovary forms the core with seeds. Hence both assertion and reason are true, and reason explains assertion correctly. Answer: Option 1.

5. Match the following:
Column I    Column II
(a) Apple    (i) True fruit
(b) Tomato    (ii) False fruit
(c) Mango    (iii) Aggregate fruit
(d) Strawberry    (iv) Parthenocarpic fruit

1. (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii)
2. (a)-(i), (b)-(ii), (c)-(iii), (d)-(iv)
3. (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i)
4. (a)-(iv), (b)-(iii), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i)

Explanation: Apple is a false fruit, tomato and mango are true fruits, strawberry is an aggregate fruit formed from multiple carpels of one flower. Correct matching: (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii). Answer: Option 1.

6. Fill in the blank:
Fruit formed without fertilization is called ______.

1. True fruit
2. Aggregate fruit
3. Parthenocarpic fruit
4. False fruit

Explanation: Parthenocarpic fruits develop without fertilization, are usually seedless, and can be induced naturally or artificially. Examples include banana, cucumber. Answer: Option 3.

7. Which part contributes to false fruit formation?

1. Ovary only
2. Thalamus
3. Stigma
4. Style

Explanation: In false fruits, other floral parts besides ovary, such as thalamus (receptacle) or calyx, contribute to fruit structure. Example: apple’s fleshy part comes from thalamus. Answer: Option 2.

8. Choose the correct statements:
(a) Mango is a true fruit.
(b) Apple is a false fruit.
(c) Strawberry is an aggregate fruit.
(d) Parthenocarpic fruits contain seeds.

1. a, b, c only
2. b, c, d only
3. a and d only
4. a, b, c, d

Explanation: Mango is a true fruit, apple is a false fruit, strawberry is aggregate. Parthenocarpic fruits are seedless. Therefore, correct statements are a, b, c only. Answer: Option 1.

9. Example of an aggregate fruit:

1. Mango
2. Strawberry
3. Apple
4. Banana

Explanation: Strawberry is an aggregate fruit formed from multiple free carpels of a single flower. Each carpel develops into a small fruitlet. Mango is a true fruit, apple is false, banana is parthenocarpic. Answer: Option 2.

10. Which fruit develops solely from ovary?

1. Apple
2. Tomato
3. Strawberry
4. Pineapple

Explanation: Tomato develops entirely from ov

Subtopic: Types of Fruits

Keyword Definitions:
• Drupe: A fruit with a fleshy mesocarp and a hard endocarp enclosing the seed.
• Endocarp: The innermost layer of the pericarp that directly surrounds the seed.
• Mesocarp: The middle layer of the pericarp; it can be fleshy or fibrous.
• Monocarpellary Ovary: An ovary formed from a single carpel.
• Mango: A tropical fruit with fleshy mesocarp and a hard endocarp.
• Coconut: A tropical fruit with fibrous mesocarp and hard endocarp.

Lead Question - 2020 (COVID Reexam)
Identify the correct features of Mango and Coconut fruits.
(i) In both fruit is a drupe
(ii) Endocarp is edible in both
(iii) Mesocarp in Coconut is fibrous, and in Mango, it is fleshy
(iv) In both, the fruit develops from the monocarpellary ovary
Select the correct option from below :
(1) (i), (iii) and (iv) only
(2) (i), (ii) and (iii) only
(3) (i) and (iv) only
(4) (i) and (ii) only
Explanation: The correct answer is (1). Both Mango and Coconut are drupes. Coconut mesocarp is fibrous, Mango mesocarp is fleshy. Both fruits develop from a monocarpellary ovary. Endocarp is edible in Mango but hard and non-edible in Coconut, making option (1) correct for all valid features listed.

1. Chapter: Angiosperms
Topic: Fruits
Subtopic: Fruit Types
Keyword Definitions:
• Drupe: A fruit with a fleshy mesocarp and a hard endocarp enclosing the seed.
• Endocarp: The innermost layer of the pericarp that directly surrounds the seed.
• Mesocarp: Middle layer of pericarp, fleshy or fibrous.
• Monocarpellary Ovary: Ovary from single carpel.
• Mango: Tropical fruit with fleshy mesocarp.
• Coconut: Tropical fruit with fibrous mesocarp.
Question 1: Which part of Mango fruit is edible?
(1) Endocarp
(2) Mesocarp
(3) Epicarp
(4) Seed
Explanation: The correct answer is (2). In Mango, the edible part is the mesocarp, which is fleshy and juicy. Endocarp forms the hard stone. Epicarp is the skin, and seed is not consumed. Hence, the fleshy mesocarp is the main edible portion in Mango fruit, providing nutrients and flavor.

Question 2: Coconut fruit’s mesocarp is:
(1) Fleshy
(2) Fibrous
(3) Hard
(4) Edible
Explanation: The correct answer is (2). Coconut fruit has a fibrous mesocarp known as coir, which is inedible. Fleshy mesocarp is present in Mango. The hard endocarp surrounds the seed. The fibrous mesocarp helps in protection and dispersal but is not consumed, making option (2) correct.

Question 3: Which of the following fruits is a drupe?
(1) Mango
(2) Coconut
(3) Both Mango and Coconut
(4) None
Explanation: The correct answer is (3). Both Mango and Coconut are classified as drupes because they have a fleshy or fibrous mesocarp and a hard endocarp enclosing a seed. Mango mesocarp is fleshy, Coconut mesocarp is fibrous. This structure is typical of drupe fruits, so option (3) is correct.

Question 4: Endocarp is edible in:
(1) Coconut only
(2) Mango only
(3) Both Mango and Coconut
(4) None
Explanation: The correct answer is (2). In Mango, endocarp is the hard stone surrounding the seed, not usually eaten. The mesocarp is edible. In Coconut, the endocarp is hard and inedible. Therefore, the edible part is mesocarp, and endocarp is generally inedible, making option (2) appropriate.

Question 5: Fruits developing from monocarpellary ovary include:
(1) Mango
(2) Coconut
(3) Both Mango and Coconut
(4) Tomato
Explanation: The correct answer is (3). Both Mango and Coconut fruits develop from a single carpel, classifying their ovary as monocarpellary. Tomato is generally tricarpellary. This structural feature affects fruit anatomy and seed arrangement. Option (3) is correct as it reflects the monocarpellary origin in both cases.

Question 6: Which mesocarp type is fibrous?
(1) Mango
(2) Coconut
(3) Banana
(4) Apple
Explanation: The correct answer is (2). Coconut has a fibrous mesocarp called coir, while Mango has fleshy mesocarp. Banana and Apple have fleshy pericarps. The fibrous mesocarp provides protection and aids in dispersal, making option (2) the correct selection.

Question 7 (Assertion-Reason):
Assertion (A): Coconut is a drupe.
Reason (R): It has a fibrous mesocarp and hard endocarp.
(1) Both A and R are true, R is correct explanation
(2) Both A and R are true, R is not correct explanation
(3) A is true, R is false
(4) A is false, R is true
Explanation: The correct answer is (1). Coconut is classified as a drupe because it possesses a fibrous mesocarp and a hard endocarp enclosing the seed. This structure defines a drupe. Therefore, both assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion, making option (1) correct.

Question 8 (Matching Type):
Match the fruit with its mesocarp type:
A. Mango – 1. Fibrous
B. Coconut – 2. Fleshy
Options:
(1) A-2, B-1
(2) A-1, B-2
(3) A-2, B-2
(4) A-1, B-1
Explanation: The correct answer is (1). Mango has fleshy mesocarp (2) which is edible and juicy. Coconut has fibrous mesocarp (1) forming coir, not edible. This matching correctly pairs fruits with mesocarp types, confirming that option (1) is accurate.

Question 9 (Fill in the Blanks):
The __________ of Coconut is fibrous, while the __________ of Mango is fleshy.
(1) Mesocarp, mesocarp
(2) Endocarp, mesocarp
(3) Epicarp, endocarp
(4) Seed, seed
Explanation: The correct answer is (1). Coconut has a fibrous mesocarp providing protection, while Mango has a fleshy mesocarp which is edible. Endocarp and epicarp are not suitable for this comparison. Thus, option (1) accurately fills the blanks with the correct fruit structures.

Question 10 (Choose Correct Statements):
Select the correct statements:
(i) Mango is a drupe
(ii) Coconut endocarp is edible
(iii) Both develop from monocarpellary ovary
(iv) Coconut mesocarp is fibrous
Options:
(1) (i), (iii), (iv)
(2) (i), (ii), (iii)
(3) (ii), (iv)
(4) All of the above
Explanation: The correct answer is (1). Mango is a drupe, Coconut has fibrous mesocarp, and both fruits develop from a monocarpellary ovary. Coconut endocarp is hard and inedible. Therefore, statements (i), (iii), and (iv) are correct, making option (1) the accurate choice.

Subtopic: Fruit Structure and Morphology

Keyword Definitions:

Pericarp: The outer layer of a fruit developing from ovary wall.

Perisperm: Nutritive tissue derived from nucellus in some seeds.

Cotyledon: Seed leaf that provides nutrition to developing embryo.

Endosperm: Tissue formed after double fertilization, providing nutrients to embryo.

Monocot: Plant with single cotyledon in the seed.

Drupe: Fruit with fleshy outer part and hard inner seed.

Embryo: Young plant inside the seed.

Exalbuminous Seed: Seed lacking endosperm in mature stage.

Albuminous Seed: Seed retaining endosperm in mature stage.

Germination: Process of seed sprouting into seedling.

Clinical Significance: Knowledge of seed anatomy is crucial for agriculture and food sciences.

Lead Question - 2017

The morphological nature of the edible part of coconut is:

(A) Pericarp

(B) Perisperm

(C) Cotyledon

(D) Endosperm

Explanation: The edible white part of coconut is endosperm, which develops after fertilization and provides stored nutrients to the embryo. Coconut is a monocot with albuminous seed retaining endosperm. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

1. MCQ - Single Correct Answer

In coconut, the liquid portion inside the seed is called:

(a) Pericarp

(b) Coconut water

(c) Endosperm

(d) Cotyledon

Explanation: Coconut water is the liquid endosperm present inside the seed, serving as a nutritive medium for the developing embryo. It is distinct from the solid endosperm, which forms the edible part. Answer: b.

2. MCQ - Single Correct Answer

Which part of the coconut fruit forms the hard shell?

(a) Endosperm

(b) Pericarp

(c) Cotyledon

(d) Embryo

Explanation: The pericarp develops into the fibrous husk and hard shell of the coconut, protecting the seed and endosperm inside. Endosperm is edible, cotyledon forms the embryo, and embryo is the young plant. Answer: b.

3. MCQ - Single Correct Answer (Clinical)

Coconut milk is rich in which nutrient important for human health?

(a) Carbohydrates

(b) Proteins

(c) Fats

(d) Fibers

Explanation: The edible endosperm of coconut provides fats, mainly medium-chain triglycerides, which are easily digestible and provide energy. It also has minor proteins and carbohydrates. Coconut milk is clinically useful in diets requiring high-energy intake. Answer: c.

4. MCQ - Single Correct Answer

The coconut seed is classified as:

(a) Dicot

(b) Monocot

(c) Gymnosperm

(d) Bryophyte

Explanation: Coconut is a monocot plant with a single cotyledon. Its seed retains endosperm, supporting the embryo during germination. Dicot seeds have two cotyledons, gymnosperms are non-flowering plants, and bryophytes are non-vascular. Answer: b.

5. MCQ - Single Correct Answer

The solid edible portion of coconut is derived from:

(a) Nucellus

(b) Endosperm

(c) Embryo

(d) Seed coat

Explanation: The solid endosperm or copra is the edible part of coconut, forming after double fertilization. It provides nutrients for the embryo during germination. Nucellus contributes to perisperm in some seeds, but not coconut. Answer: b.

6. MCQ - Single Correct Answer (Clinical)

Which part of coconut is used for oil extraction?

(a) Pericarp

(b) Endosperm

(c) Cotyledon

(d) Embryo

Explanation: The endosperm or kernel is dried to produce copra, which is then processed to extract coconut oil, used in cooking and clinical applications for its antimicrobial and skin benefits. Pericarp and embryo are not used for oil. Answer: b.

7. MCQ - Assertion-Reason

Assertion (A): Coconut is an albuminous seed.

Reason (R): It retains endosperm at maturity.

(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation

(b) Both A and R true, R not correct explanation

(c) A true, R false

(d) A false, R true

Explanation: Coconut retains endosperm at maturity, making it an albuminous seed. Both assertion and reason are true, with reason explaining the assertion. Answer: a.

8. MCQ - Matching Type

Match the parts of coconut with their characteristics:

1. Pericarp - (a) Edible

2. Endosperm - (b) Protective hard shell

3. Cotyledon - (c) Absorbs nutrients

Options:

(A) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c

(B) 1-a, 2-b, 3-c

(C) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a

(D) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b

Explanation: Pericarp forms protective shell, endosperm is edible, cotyledon absorbs nutrients during germination. Correct matching: 1-b, 2-a, 3-c. Answer: A.

9. MCQ - Fill in the Blanks

The coconut kernel develops from __________.

(a) Pericarp

(b) Endosperm

(c) Cotyledon

(d) Seed coat

Explanation: The coconut kernel, or copra, is derived from the endosperm that surrounds the embryo and stores nutrients for germination. It is the edible part consumed by humans. Answer: b.

10. MCQ - Choose Correct Statements

Select correct statements about coconut seed:

1. Coconut is a monocot seed

2. Edible part is endosperm

3. Cotyledon absorbs nutrients

4. Pericarp is edible

Options:

(A) 1, 2, and 3

(B) 1 and 4

(C) 2 and 4

(D) All 1,2,3,4

Explanation: Coconut is monocot, endosperm is edible, and cotyledon absorbs nutrients. The pericarp is fibrous and hard, not edible. Correct statements are 1, 2, and 3. Answer: A. 

Topic: Types of Fruits

Subtopic: Classification of Fruits: Drupe, Capsule, Berry, Nut

Keyword Definitions:

• Drupe – A fleshy fruit with a hard stone enclosing the seed; examples: coconut, mango.

• Capsule – A dry fruit that splits open at maturity to release seeds; examples: poppy.

• Berry – A fleshy fruit without a stone, usually with multiple seeds; examples: tomato, grapes.

• Nut – A hard, indehiscent dry fruit with a single seed; examples: acorn.

• Angiosperms – Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit.

• Clinical/agronomic relevance – Knowledge of fruit types is essential for horticulture, agriculture, and pharmacognosy studies.

• Endosperm – Tissue providing nutrition to developing embryo inside seeds.

Lead Question – 2017:

Coconut fruit is a :

(A) Capsule

(B) Drupe

(C) Berry

(D) Nut

Explanation:

Coconut is a drupe, a fleshy fruit with a hard endocarp (stone) enclosing the seed. The outer layer (exocarp and mesocarp) is fibrous, while the inner layer protects the seed. Unlike capsules, berries, or nuts, the coconut shows typical drupe structure with adaptations for water dispersal. (Answer: B)

1) Which fruit has a dry, dehiscent structure that splits to release seeds?

(A) Coconut

(B) Poppy

(C) Mango

(D) Acorn

Explanation:

Poppy produces a capsule, a dry dehiscent fruit that splits to release seeds. Unlike coconut (drupe), mango (drupe), or acorn (nut), capsules are adapted for wind or mechanical seed dispersal, ensuring propagation in angiosperms. (Answer: B)

2) A berry differs from a drupe because it:

(A) Has a stone

(B) Is dry

(C) Lacks a hard endocarp

(D) Is indehiscent

Explanation:

Berries are fleshy fruits without a hard endocarp or stone, often containing multiple seeds. Drupes have a single seed enclosed in a hard endocarp. Examples of berries include tomato and grapes, while mango and coconut are drupes. This distinction is crucial in fruit classification. (Answer: C)

3) Clinical/agronomic case: Coconut endosperm is harvested as:

(A) Oil

(B) Desiccated coconut

(C) Tender coconut water

(D) All of the above

Explanation:

Coconut endosperm is used in multiple forms: oil extracted from mature kernel, desiccated coconut for cooking, and tender coconut water consumed as a beverage. These derivatives have nutritional, medicinal, and commercial value in human diet and industries. (Answer: D)

4) Which fruit type is indehiscent with a single hard seed?

(A) Drupe

(B) Nut

(C) Capsule

(D) Berry

Explanation:

Nut is a hard, indehiscent dry fruit with a single seed. Unlike drupes, the seed is not enclosed in a fleshy mesocarp. Examples include acorn and chestnut. Nuts are adapted for mechanical dispersal and are ecologically and economically important. (Answer: B)

5) Coconut is adapted for seed dispersal by:

(A) Wind

(B) Water

(C) Animals

(D) Gravity

Explanation:

Coconut fruits have a fibrous mesocarp allowing them to float in water, facilitating water dispersal. This adaptation helps coconuts colonize distant coastal areas. Wind, animals, or gravity are less relevant for coconut dispersal compared to water adaptation in mangrove and coastal environments. (Answer: B)

6) Mango fruit is classified as a:

(A) Drupe

(B) Berry

(C) Capsule

(D) Nut

Explanation:

Mango is a drupe with a fleshy mesocarp and a hard stone enclosing the seed. Like coconut, drupes have a single seed protected by a hard endocarp. Knowledge of fruit types aids in plant breeding, horticulture, and botanical studies. (Answer: A)

7) Assertion-Reason type:

Assertion (A): Coconut is a drupe.

Reason (R): It has a fleshy outer layer and a hard stone enclosing the seed.

(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation

(C) A is true, R is false

(D) A is false, R is true

Explanation:

Both assertion and reason are true, and R correctly explains A. Coconut has fibrous exocarp and mesocarp surrounding a hard endocarp enclosing the seed. This structure defines it as a drupe. Understanding fruit anatomy is important in botany and agriculture. (Answer: A)

8) Matching type:

Match fruits with types:

(A) Coconut – (i) Drupe

(B) Poppy – (ii) Capsule

(C) Tomato – (iii) Berry

(D) Acorn – (iv) Nut

Options:

(A) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv

(B) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii

(C) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i

(D) A-i, B-iii, C-ii, D-iv

Explanation:

Correct matches: Coconut – drupe, Poppy – capsule, Tomato – berry, Acorn – nut. This classification helps understand plant reproduction, dispersal mechanisms, and agronomic use. Each fruit type has distinct anatomy, dispersal strategies, and ecological significance. (Answer: A)

9) Fill in the blanks:

A fruit with a fibrous mesocarp and hard stone is called ______.

(A) Drupe

(B) Berry

(C) Capsule

(D) Nut

Explanation:

A fruit with fibrous mesocarp and hard stone enclosing the seed is a drupe. Examples include coconut and mango. Drupes are adapted for dispersal and seed protection. Recognizing fruit anatomy is essential in botany, horticulture, and agricultural studies. (Answer: A)

10) Choose the correct statements:

1. Coconut is a drupe.

2. Poppy is a capsule.

3. Tomato is a berry.

4. Acorn is a drupe.

(A) 1, 2, 3 only

(B) 2, 3, 4 only

(C) 1, 3, 4 only

(D) All are correct

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct; statement 4 is incorrect since acorn is a nut, not a drupe. Correct identification of fruit types aids in classification, agricultural practices, and understanding ecological adaptations. (Answer: A)