Question

Assertion (A): There is no variation in size of mature seeds in orchids.
Reason (R): Lodoicea maldivica is the plant with largest seed.

• A. 'A' and 'R' are true and 'R' is the correct explanation to 'A'.
• B. 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct explanation of 'A'.
• C. 'A' is true but 'R' is false.
• D. 'A' is false but 'R' is true.

Hint:

Orchid seeds are among the smallest in the plant kingdom, but slight variations exist between species. The coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica) holds the record for the largest seed, often weighing up to 30 kg.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

This question is an assertion-reason type, where we need to evaluate the truth of the assertion (A) and the reason (R) and determine if R correctly explains A. Let’s analyze each statement individually and then assess their relationship. - Evaluate Assertion (A): There is no variation in size of mature seeds in orchids Orchids (family Orchidaceae) are known for producing some of the smallest seeds in the plant kingdom. Their seeds are often dust-like, lightweight, and lack endosperm, which makes them tiny and uniform within a species. However, the assertion states that there is "no variation in size of mature seeds in orchids," which implies no variation across the entire orchid family. The orchid family is incredibly diverse, with over 25,000 species, and while orchid seeds are generally small, there can be slight variations in size between species due to differences in seed morphology, ovule development, and adaptations to dispersal mechanisms (e.g., wind dispersal). For example, seeds of some orchid species, like those in the genus Vanilla, may be slightly larger than those of other orchids due to differences in seed coat thickness or embryo size. While the variation is minimal compared to other plant families, it is not accurate to say there is "no variation" at all. Therefore, the assertion (A) is false, as there is some variation in the size of mature seeds among different orchid species. - Evaluate Reason (R): Lodoicea maldivica is the plant with largest seed Lodoicea maldivica, commonly known as the double coconut or coco de mer, is a palm species native to the Seychelles. It is famous for producing the largest seed in the plant kingdom, often weighing up to 15–30 kg and measuring up to 50 cm in length. This seed, sometimes called the "sea coconut," holds the record for the largest and heaviest seed among all plants, a fact well-documented in botanical studies. No other plant species is known to produce a larger seed. Therefore, the reason (R) is true, as Lodoicea maldivica indeed has the largest seed. - Relationship between A and R Now, we need to determine if R explains A. The assertion (A) is about the lack of variation in seed size among orchids, while the reason (R) states that Lodoicea maldivica has the largest seed. These two statements are unrelated. The size of Lodoicea maldivica’s seed (a palm species) has no bearing on the variation in seed size within the orchid family. R does not provide any explanation for why there might or might not be variation in orchid seed sizes. Since A is false and R is true, we also confirm that R cannot explain A (as A is incorrect to begin with). Let’s evaluate the options: - Option 1: 'A' and 'R' are true and 'R' is the correct explanation to 'A' A is false (there is some variation in orchid seed size), so this option is incorrect. - Option 2: 'A' and 'R' are true but 'R' is not the correct explanation of 'A' A is false, so this option is incorrect. - Option 3: 'A' is true but 'R' is false A is false, and R is true, so this option is incorrect. - Option 4: 'A' is false but 'R' is true A is false (there is some variation in orchid seed size), and R is true (Lodoicea maldivica has the largest seed). Additionally, R does not explain A, which aligns with our analysis. This option is correct. Therefore, the correct answer is (4) 'A' is false but 'R' is true, as A is incorrect while R is correct, and R does not explain A. Thus, the correct answer is 'A' is false but 'R' is true.

Answer 2

Assertion (A): There is no variation in size of mature seeds in orchids.
Reason (R): Lodoicea maldivica is the plant with largest seed.

Correct Answer: A is false but R is true.

Explanation:
The assertion that there is no variation in size of mature seeds in orchids is incorrect. In fact, orchid seeds are known for their extremely small size, often described as dust-like. These tiny seeds lack endosperm and have minimal nutrient reserves, which is why orchids depend on symbiotic relationships with fungi (mycorrhiza) for seed germination.

On the other hand, the reason given is true. Lodoicea maldivica, commonly known as the double coconut or coco de mer, produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Its seed can weigh up to 15 kilograms or more and is remarkable for its enormous size compared to most other seeds.

Thus, the correct evaluation is that the assertion is false due to the presence of seed size variation in orchids (all being very small, but not uniform), while the reason correctly states a fact about the largest seed produced by Lodoicea maldivica.