Question

The black dots that cover strawberries are actually fruits formed from the separate carpels of a single flower. The fleshy and tasty portion of a strawberry derives from the receptacle of a flower with many separate carpels. Therefore, a strawberry is

(A) a simple fruit with many seeds.

(B) both multiple fruits and accessory fruit.

(C) both a simple fruit and an aggregate fruit.

(D) both an aggregate fruit and an accessory fruit.

Short answer

(A) The statement “a simple fruit with many seeds” is false.

(B) The statement “both multiple fruits and an accessory fruit” is false.

(C) The statement “both a simple fruit and an aggregate fruit” is false.

(D) The statement “both an aggregate fruit and an accessory fruit” is true.

Step-by-step solution

Strawberry

In pomology, the multiple sweet and soft fruits of a flowering plant, helpful for boosting digestive health, reducing inflammation, and reducing risk related to the heart, are called strawberries.

Explanation for option “(A)”

The field of carpology defines seed as an embryonic plant that safely keeps an embryo, such as an immature baby plant housed inside its structure and then further develops into a seedling.

Thus, the strawberry is not considered a simple fruit; it does not come from a single ovary and forms from a single carpel.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation for option “(B)”

The term accessory fruit represents the fleshy fruit that develops from the tissues of the plant parts other than the ovary and comprises three distinct sections, such as inner (endocarp), middle (mesocarp), and outermost parts (exocarp).

Thus, each flower present on the strawberry plant produces its fruit.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation for option “(C)”

The different parts associated with strawberry are peduncle, epicalyx, calyx, one-seeded achene, and fleshy receptacle.

Thus, a single carpel does not form strawberries.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation for option “(D)”

The several benefits associated with strawberries include reducing the risk of stroke, burning stored fat, boosting fiber, promoting prenatal health, fighting bad cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and acting as an anti-oxidant.

Thus, the strawberry comes from the separate carpels of a single flower and has a large receptacle with embedded fruits bearing seed.

Therefore, the given statement is true.