Which of the following is not an example of albuminous seeds?

The correct answer is Option (2) → Pea

The endosperm is the food store that feeds the developing embryo. In some seeds the embryo uses up the whole endosperm before the seed matures. These are non-albuminous (ex-albuminous) seeds, and the food is then stored in the cotyledons. In other seeds part of the endosperm is left over in the mature seed. These are albuminous seeds.

Option (1) Wheat — An albuminous seed. Wheat keeps a part of its endosperm in the mature grain.

Option (2) Pea — Not an albuminous seed. In pea the endosperm is completely consumed during embryo development, and the two thick cotyledons store the food. Pea is non-albuminous.

Option (3) Castor — An albuminous seed. Castor retains endosperm in its mature seed.

Option (4) Maize — An albuminous seed. Maize, like wheat and barley, keeps a part of its endosperm.

NCERT Extract:
Seed – “… Mature seeds may be non-albuminous or ex-albuminous. Non-albuminous seeds have no residual endosperm as it is completely consumed during embryo development (e.g., pea, groundnut). Albuminous seeds retain a part of endosperm as it is not completely used up during embryo development (e.g., wheat, maize, barley, castor).”