Assertion: Syncarpous gynoecium is characterized by fused carpels.
Reason: In syncarpous gynoecium, the carpels are separate and not fused.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) -The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.
Explanation:
The assertion correctly states that syncarpous gynoecium is characterized by fused carpels. In syncarpous gynoecium, multiple carpels are fused together to form a single, compound ovary. This is a defining feature of syncarpous gynoecium. Example: mustard and tomato.
The reason provided, "In syncarpous gynoecium, the carpels are separate and not fused," is incorrect. This reason contradicts the assertion, and it is not a valid explanation for the statement. In syncarpous gynoecium, carpels are indeed fused, not separate.
So, in this case, the assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.