In coconut fruit, the hard shell is

Options

A. Endocarp
B. Fused structure of mesocarp and endocarp
C. Fused structure of epicarp and mesocarp
D. Epicarp

Answer

To answer the question "In coconut fruit, the hard shell is," we need to analyze the structure of the coconut fruit and identify which part corresponds to the hard shell.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of Coconut Fruit**:
- The coconut fruit is classified as a drupe, which consists of three layers: the outer layer (exocarp), the middle layer (mesocarp), and the inner layer (endocarp).

2. **Identify the Layers**:
- **Exocarp**: This is the outermost layer, which is usually smooth and can be green or brown.
- **Mesocarp**: This is the fibrous middle layer, which is often referred to as coir.
- **Endocarp**: This is the innermost layer that surrounds the seed and is hard and woody.

3. **Determine Which Layer Forms the Hard Shell**:
- The hard shell of the coconut is primarily formed by the **endocarp**. However, it is important to note that the hard shell is also associated with the fusion of the exocarp and mesocarp in some contexts.

4. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Option 1**: Endocarp - This is partially correct as the hard shell is made of the endocarp.
- **Option 2**: Fused structure of mesocarp and endocarp - This is incorrect as the hard shell is not a fusion of these two layers.
- **Option 3**: Fused structure of exocarp and mesocarp - This option is also incorrect as it does not accurately describe the hard shell.
- **Option 4**: Apicarp - This term is not typically used in the context of coconut fruit structure.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is that the hard shell of the coconut fruit is primarily made up of the **endocarp**.

### Final Answer:
The hard shell of the coconut fruit is made up of the **endocarp**.