The stony hard part of the mango represents

Options

A. Mesocarp
B. Epicarp
C. Endosperm
D. Endocarp

Answer

To answer the question "The stony hard part of the mango represents," we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure of the Mango**:
- A mango is classified as a simple fleshy fruit and specifically as a drupe. Drupes typically have three distinct layers: the outer layer (epicarp), the middle layer (mesocarp), and the innermost layer (endocarp).

2. **Define Each Layer**:
- **Epicarp**: This is the outer skin of the mango. It is not hard or stony; it is the protective outer layer.
- **Mesocarp**: This is the fleshy and pulpy part of the mango that we eat. It is soft and sweet, not hard.
- **Endocarp**: This is the innermost layer that surrounds the seed. In the case of the mango, this layer is hard and stony, providing protection to the seed inside.

3. **Evaluate the Options**:
- The question provides four options:
- A) Mesocarp
- B) Epicarp
- C) Endosperm
- D) Endocarp
- From the definitions, we can eliminate:
- **Mesocarp** (A) - Incorrect, as it is the fleshy part.
- **Epicarp** (B) - Incorrect, as it is the skin.
- **Endosperm** (C) - Incorrect, as it is related to seed development and not a part of the fruit structure.
- **Endocarp** (D) - Correct, as it is the hard, stony part of the mango.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the stony hard part of the mango represents the **endocarp**.

### Final Answer:
The stony hard part of the mango represents the **endocarp**.

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