One of these statements is true of caryopsis

Explanation

The question is asking which statement is true of caryopsis. A caryopsis is a type of fruit that is found in grasses and cereal crops such as wheat, rice, and maize. It is a dry, one-seeded fruit that does not split open when it is mature. Option A states that pericarp and seed coat are fused. The pericarp is the outer layer of the fruit that develops from the ovary wall and protects the seed. The seed coat is the protective outer layer of the seed. This option is correct because in a caryopsis, the pericarp and seed coat are fused together, making them difficult to separate. Option B states that the pericarp is free from the seed coat. This statement is incorrect because, in a caryopsis, the pericarp and seed coat are fused, as mentioned in option A. Option C states that the pericarp splits open. This statement is incorrect because, in a caryopsis, the pericarp does not split open when it is mature. Instead, it remains intact around the seed. Option D states that the pericarp has a superior ovary. The ovary is the part of the flower that houses the ovules which eventually become seeds. A superior ovary means that the ovary is positioned above the attachment point of the other floral parts. This statement is not relevant to the characteristics of a caryopsis and is therefore incorrect. In summary, the correct answer to the question is option A, which states that the pericarp and seed coat are fused. This is a characteristic of a caryopsis, which is a type of dry, one-seeded fruit found in grasses and cereal crops.