NEET Exam  >  NEET Questions  >  In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what i... Start Learning for Free
In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?
  • a)
    It aids in pollination
  • b)
    It protects the seed from desiccation
  • c)
    It helps in seed dispersal by wind
  • d)
    It attracts pollinators to the flower
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pap...
The pappus in Compositae fruits is a modified calyx that helps in wind dispersal of seeds, often resembling a tuft of hairs, bristles, or scales.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pap...
Function of the Pappus in Asteraceae Fruits
The pappus is a specialized structure found in the fruit of many plants in the Compositae (Asteraceae) family. Its primary function is related to seed dispersal, particularly by wind. Here’s a detailed look at this important feature:
Wind Dispersal Mechanism
- The pappus consists of hair-like or bristle-like structures that extend from the top of the fruit (achene).
- These structures increase the surface area of the fruit, allowing it to catch the wind effectively.
Enhanced Seed Mobility
- When the wind blows, the pappus acts like a parachute, lifting the fruit into the air and allowing it to travel considerable distances.
- This adaptation is crucial for spreading seeds away from the parent plant, reducing competition for resources.
Role in Germination
- By dispersing seeds over a wider area, the pappus helps ensure that seeds land in diverse environments, which can increase the chances of germination and successful growth.
- Seeds that are dispersed far from the parent plant may find more favorable conditions for growth, contributing to the survival of the species.
Conclusion
In summary, the pappus plays a vital role in the life cycle of Asteraceae plants by facilitating wind dispersal of seeds. This adaptation enhances the chance of species propagation, making it a key feature for the survival and spread of these plants in various ecosystems.
Explore Courses for NEET exam

Top Courses for NEET

Question Description
In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for NEET 2025 is part of NEET preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the NEET exam syllabus. Information about In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for NEET 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for NEET. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for NEET Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice In the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, what is the function of the pappus in the fruit?a)It aids in pollinationb)It protects the seed from desiccationc)It helps in seed dispersal by windd)It attracts pollinators to the flowerCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice NEET tests.
Explore Courses for NEET exam

Top Courses for NEET

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev