Step 1: Analyze the Question
The question asks us to identify which plant’s seeds are used to produce biofuel. The options provided are: Option 1: Jatropha, Option 2: Chrysanthemum, Option 3: Hibiscus, and Option 4: Custard. To answer, we need to understand what biofuels are and which plants are commonly used for their production.
Step 2: What Are Biofuels?
Biofuels are renewable fuels made from organic materials, such as plants or animal waste. They are an alternative to fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Common biofuels include ethanol (made from crops like corn or sugarcane) and biodiesel (made from plant oils or animal fats). Since the question specifies seeds, we’re likely looking for a plant whose seeds are used to produce biodiesel.
Step 3: Evaluate the Options
Let’s examine each option to determine which plant’s seeds are used for biofuel production:
Option 1: Jatropha
Jatropha is a small tree or shrub commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Its seeds are rich in oil, which can be extracted and converted into biodiesel. Jatropha is widely recognized for its use in biofuel production because it can grow in poor soil conditions and doesn’t compete with food crops. This makes it a strong candidate for the correct answer.
Option 2: Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are flowering plants often grown for ornamental purposes, like in gardens or as decorations. While some plants in the chrysanthemum family have medicinal uses, their seeds are not typically used for biofuel production. This option is unlikely to be correct.
Option 3: Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants are known for their beautiful flowers and are often used to make herbal teas (like hibiscus tea) or for ornamental purposes. While hibiscus seeds contain some oil, they are not a common or significant source for biofuel production. This option is also unlikely.
Option 4: Custard
The term "Custard" in the options is likely a typo or misnomer. It might be referring to "Custard Apple" (also known as sugar apple or Annona), a fruit-bearing plant. However, custard apple seeds are not used for biofuel production; the plant is mainly grown for its fruit. Even if "Custard" refers to another plant, there’s no widely recognized plant by this name used for biofuel. This option is incorrect.
Step 4: Confirm the Correct Answer
Among the options, Jatropha stands out as the plant whose seeds are commonly used for biofuel production, specifically biodiesel. Jatropha seeds contain about 30-40% oil, which can be processed into biodiesel, making it a popular choice for sustainable energy projects. None of the other plants—Chrysanthemum, Hibiscus, or Custard—are known for this purpose.
Step 5: Why Not the Other Options?
Chrysanthemum and Hibiscus are primarily ornamental plants, and their seeds are not used for biofuel. "Custard" (likely Custard Apple) is a fruit plant, not a biofuel source. Jatropha is the only plant here with a well-established role in biofuel production.
Final Answer
Seeds from Jatropha plants are used for the production of biofuel.
Correct Option: Option 1