Question

How do simple fruits differ from complex fruits?

Answer 1

As we observe a wide variety in the appearance of fruits, we understand that the fruits are formed differently. This is because of the type of plant they belong to and the type of fertilization they undergo.

Complete answer:
- Fertilization in plants occurs when the sperm cells inside the pollen grain fuse with the egg inside of an ovule. Each fertilized ovule develops into a seed. The ovary surrounding the ovules develops into a fruit. This fruit mainly contains one or more seeds.
- Simply put, a simple fruit develops from a single ovary and a complex fruit develops from more than one ovary.

Simple Fruit	Complex Fruit
1. Simple fruits develop from a single ovary.	1. Complex fruits develop from more than one ovary.
2. Simple fruits develop from flowers having either a monocarpellary or polycarpellary syncarpous pistil.	2. Complex fruits develop from flowers having a polycarpellary apocarpous pistil.
3. One single fruit is formed from the ovary and can be classified into dehiscent or indehiscent fruit.	3. Complex fruits develop from multiple ovaries and each unit is called a fruitlet. These fruitlets may fuse together as they develop. They are named with the prefix ‘etaerio-’ and the nature of the fruitlets. For example, etaerio of follicles, etaerio of achenes, etc.

Additional Information:
- The process of fertilization not only develops the fruit but also brings about other changes in the flower and the inflorescence.
- The parenchyma within the ovary is responsible for the formation of the composition of the fruit.
- Composite fruits are another type of fruit that develops from an entire inflorescence.

Note:
- The term complex fruit is outdated and the more common term used is compound fruit or an aggregate fruit.
- In some cases, the fruit may be formed without fertilization. This process is known as parthenocarpy. Fruits formed by this process are seedless.