Question

Which of the following statements about the function of fruit is true?

a. it aids in dispersal of seeds
b. It protects seeds until they are mature
c. It attracts pollinators
d. It provides nutrients to the embryo
e. All of the above
f. A and B

Answer 1

Fruits have a dual role in protecting the developing seeds and facilitating their dispersal through means like wind, water, and animals, making option (f) A and B the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of fruit is true for both aiding in the dispersal of seeds and protecting seeds until they are mature. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be (f) A and B. Fruit serves an essential role in protecting the developing embryo (seed protection) and plays a crucial part as an agent of seed dispersal. Various modifications in fruit facilitate dispersal methods suitable to their environment; for instance, winged seeds for wind dispersal, buoyant fruit for water transportation, and enticements such as sweet flesh for animal consumption, which later results in dispersal through feces (endozoochory).

Even the structures like burrs and hooks are adaptations for clinging onto animal fur for dispersal (epizoochory). These strategies ensure that seeds spread from the parent plant to locations where they may find favorable conditions to germinate and grow.