Problem 91 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

In coconut and mango, the fruit is known as (a) Legume (b) Pod (c) Drupe (d) Samara

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Coconuts and Mangos are classified botanically as 'Drupe'

Step 1: Understanding types of fruits

Before answering this question, it is necessary to know the difference between different types of fruits. A legume is a fruit that develops from a simple carpel and usually dehisces (opens along a seam) on two sides. A pod is also a type of fruit(seeds enclosed inside), usually long and few-seeded. A drupe, on the other hand, is an indehiscent fruit in which an outer fleshy part (exocarp, or skin, and mesocarp, or flesh) surrounds a shell (the pit or stone) of hardened endocarp with a seed inside. Samara is a type of fruit where a flattened wing of fibrous, papery tissue develops from the ovary wall. A samara is a simple dry fruit and indehiscent (not opening along a seam)

Step 2: Identifying the type of fruit for coconuts and mangos

Given the definitions of different fruit types, we can analyze the nature of coconut and mango. Mango and Coconut both have an outer fleshy part that surrounds a shell of hardened endocarp with a seed inside. This matches the definition of a drupe.

Step 3: Concluding the Answer

Therefore, as per the botanical classification of fruits, and given that a drupe has an outer fleshy part (exocarp, or skin, and mesocarp, or flesh) that surrounds a shell of hardened endocarp with a seed inside - the correct classification for coconut and mango is 'Drupe'.

Key Concepts

Drupe Fruit

A drupe, commonly referred to as a stone fruit, is a type of fruit that is characterized by having three distinct layers: an outer skin called the exocarp, a fleshy middle layer known as the mesocarp, and a hard, woody layer surrounding the seed called the endocarp. This rigid endocarp can often lead to some confusion for those trying to classify fruits, but remembering that it is found in drupes is the key.

Examples of drupe fruits include not only mangos and coconuts, which often come up in classification exercises, but also cherries, peaches, and olives. Each of these fruits has a single seed encased in that tough outer shell. The presence of this structure is what sets drupes apart from other fruit types and is a crucial aspect to remember for accurate classification.

Fruit Classification

Fruit classification can be a little daunting due to the variety of fruit types. However, it revolves around several simple concepts. Botanically speaking, fruits are classified based on the structure of the ovary of the flower and its development into mature fruit. Some of the basic categories include simple fruits, like the aforementioned drupes, aggregate fruits which develop from a single flower with multiple ovaries like strawberries, and multiple fruits which form from a cluster of flowers, such as pineapples.

Within simple fruits, there are further distinctions based on whether they are fleshy or dry upon maturation. For example, legumes and samaras are both types of dry fruits, where one opens at maturity and the other doesn't. Understanding these distinctions is essential in botany for identifying and classifying the wide array of fruit types found in nature.

Botanical Fruit Types

In botany, going beyond the sweet treats we commonly call 'fruits', all parts of flowering plants that develop from the ovary and contain seeds are considered fruits. This botanical definition includes several fruit types that might not typically be considered fruits in a culinary sense. For instance, nuts, grains, and even some vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes are classified as fruits from a botanical perspective.

These botanical fruit types are further grouped based on their specific characteristics. Some common groups are berries (like grapes and tomatoes), pomes (such as apples and pears), and hesperidia (citrus fruits), among others. Recognizing these various types and their respective features contributes significantly to our understanding of plant reproduction and the diversity within the plant kingdom.