Geocarpic fruit is
groundnut
— Concept: This question tests your knowledge of specialized fruit types, specifically geocarpic fruits , which develop…Concept: This question tests your knowledge of specialized fruit types, specifically geocarpic fruits, which develop underground.
Why (B) is correct: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a classic example of a geocarpic fruit. After fertilization, the ovary stalk (gynophore) elongates and pushes the developing fruit into the soil, where it matures underground. This protects the developing seeds from herbivores and desiccation.
Why other options are wrong:
- (A) potato: Potato is a modified underground stem (tuber), not a fruit.
- (C) onion: Onion is a modified underground stem (bulb), not a fruit. Its flowers produce seeds above ground.
- (D) garlic: Garlic is also a modified underground stem (bulb), not a fruit.
NEET Tip: Remember that 'geo' means earth. So, geocarpic means 'earth fruit' or fruit developing underground. The peanut is the most common example you'll encounter in NEET.
Correct Answer: (B)
groundnut