A dehiscent fruit formed from several fused carpels with man seeds is classified as a/an

Analyze the question: We need a dry fruit that (1) splits open at maturity (dehiscent), (2) develops from several fused carpels (syncarpous ovary), and (3) contains many seeds.

Concept: Dry fruits

| Fruit | Dehiscent? | Carpels | Seeds | |---|---|---|---| | Achene | No | One | One | | Caryopsis (e.g., maize, rice) | No | Fused, but pericarp fused to seed coat | One | | Follicle (e.g., Calotropis) | Yes, along one side only | One | Many | | Legume (e.g., beans, groundnut pod) | Yes, along two sides | One | Many | | Capsule (e.g., cotton, okra) | Yes | Two or more fused | Many |

Solution:

• Achene and caryopsis are indehiscent and have one seed, so they are eliminated.
• Follicle and legume are dehiscent with many seeds, but each forms from a single carpel, so they do not fit "several fused carpels."
• A capsule forms from several fused carpels (a syncarpous ovary), splits open at maturity, and releases many seeds. Okra, cotton, and Datura are examples.

Answer: B. Capsule

Exam tip: Remember "Capsule = Compound (many carpels fused)." Follicle and legume both come from a single carpel. The follicle splits on one side and the legume on two.