Question

Fruit of Xanthium is zoochorous as it has

• A. Sticky surface
• B. Hooks
• C. Edible pulp
• D. Sticky pulp

Answer 1

The correct option is B Hooks

Sometimes, fruits and seeds are provided with appendages which facilitate their mechanical dispersal by animals.

Fruits and seeds of many plants are provided with hooks, spines, barbs or stiff hairs so that if an animal grazes or brushes against them, these stick to the animal’s body or clothing.

Later on, these drop off somehow or other and are thereby dispersed. Thus, the fruits of Xanthium strumarium (cocklebur) is provided with hook-like structures which are effective in their dispersal.

So the correct answer is 'Hooks'.