Step 1: Meaning of Parthenocarpy.
Parthenocarpy is the process by which fruits develop without fertilization of the ovule. In this process, the ovary develops into a fruit even though pollination or fertilization does not occur. As a result, the fruits produced by parthenocarpy are usually seedless.
Step 2: Characteristics of parthenocarpic fruits.
Fruits formed through parthenocarpy generally do not contain seeds because the formation of seeds normally requires fertilization. This phenomenon may occur naturally in some plants or may be artificially induced using plant growth regulators such as auxins and gibberellins.
Step 3: Example of parthenocarpic fruit.
A common example of a fruit that develops through parthenocarpy is the banana. In bananas, the fruit develops without fertilization, which is why cultivated bananas are usually seedless.
Final Answer:
Parthenocarpy is the development of fruit without fertilization, resulting in seedless fruits. An example of a parthenocarpic fruit is banana.