The Parachute-like tuft of hairs developed from the

Analyze the question The question is about fruit and seed dispersal by wind. Some fruits, such as those of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, have a parachute-like tuft of hairs called the pappus. Examples are the dandelion, Tridax, and Emilia sonchifolia (common weeds in Nigeria). We need to know which flower part the pappus develops from.

Explain the concept In the flower, the four whorls from outside to inside are:

• Sepals (together called the calyx)
• Petals (corolla)
• Stamens
• Carpels

In the Asteraceae, the flower (floret) is very small and sits on a head (capitulum). The calyx is modified into the pappus, a ring of fine hairs or bristles. After fertilization, the ovary becomes the fruit (a cypsela/achene). The pappus stays attached to the top of the fruit and acts as a parachute, so the wind can carry the fruit over long distances.

Step-by-step solution

1. The parachute-like tuft of hairs is the pappus.
2. The pappus is a modified calyx.
3. The calyx is made up of the sepals.
4. The pedicel is the flower stalk, the receptacle is the base that holds the floral parts, and the petals form the corolla. None of these becomes the pappus.

Answer: The tuft of hairs develops from the sepals, which is option D.

Exam tip Remember "Pappus = Parachute = calyx (sepals)". When you see wind dispersal with a hairy tuft on a fruit in the sunflower or Tridax family, think of sepals modified into hairs.