Which one of the following is a false fruit?

Strawberry

The correct answer is Option (4) → Strawberry   

In most plants, by the time the fruit develops from the ovary, other floral parts degenerate and fall off. However, in a few species such as apple, strawberry, cashew, etc., the thalamus also contributes to fruit formation. Such fruits are called false fruits. Most fruits however develop only from the ovary and are called true fruits.

Mango – True fruit (develops from the ovary)

Papaya – True fruit (develops from the ovary)

Watermelon – True fruit (develops from the ovary)

True fruit are derived from the ripened ovary alone. In the process of fruit formation, the ovary of the flower undergoes development and transforms into a fruit. The ovary contains one or more ovules, which are potential seeds. After pollination and fertilization, the ovules within the ovary develop into seeds. The ovary wall, also known as the pericarp, undergoes changes and forms the wall of the fruit. Example: mango