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Which feature typically characterizes drupes among fruit types?

  1. Hard outer shell

  2. Multiple seeds

  3. Fleshy exterior

  4. Flexible structure

The correct answer is: Fleshy exterior

Drupes are characterized by having a fleshy exterior, which is one of their most distinguishing features. This outer fleshy layer, known as the exocarp and mesocarp, often contributes to the fruit's appeal and helps in seed dispersal by attracting animals that consume the fruit. Drupes typically have a single hard stone or pit (the endocarp) that encloses the seed(s), which further distinguishes them from other fruit types. This fleshy quality is crucial for their role in reproduction and ecology, promoting consumption by animals that help in seed spreading.