Which one of the following is an example of false fruit?

The correct answer is Option (1) → Strawberry

A true fruit develops only from the ovary. In a false fruit, another part of the flower also takes part in making the fruit. In apple, strawberry and cashew this part is the thalamus, the swollen tip of the flower stalk that carries the floral parts.

(1) Strawberry — Correct. The thalamus contributes to the fruit, so it is a false fruit.

(2) Mango — Incorrect. It develops from the ovary alone, so it is a true fruit.

(3) Guava — Incorrect. It develops from the ovary alone, so it is a true fruit.

(4) Orange — Incorrect. It develops from the ovary alone, so it is a true fruit.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 15-05-2025 (Slot 2).

NCERT Extract:
Seed – …

Figure 1.15 (a) Structure of some seeds. (b) False fruits of apple and strawberry