מלונים

1. To which plant family do melons and watermelons belong?

• A. Rosaceae (Rose family)
• B. Cucurbitaceae (Gourd family)
• C. Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
• D. Apiaceae (Carrot family)

2. What happens to the sweetness of a melon after it is picked from the vine?

• A. It continues to get sweeter over time.
• B. It gets less sweet the longer you wait.
• C. It stays the same; the sugar content is set at harvest.
• D. It only gets sweeter if placed in sunlight.

3. Botanically speaking, what type of fruit is a melon?

• A. A stone fruit
• B. A pome
• C. A pepo
• D. A drupe

4. Why are melons especially refreshing in the summer?

• A. They are very high in sugar compared to other fruits.
• B. They are made up of about 90% water.
• C. They have a very crunchy texture.
• D. They are easy to peel.

1. Why do commercial melon breeders often prefer varieties that do not have a strong scent?

• A. Because a strong scent attracts pests and insects.
• B. Because a strong scent indicates poor quality fruit.
• C. Because the scent is tied to ethylene, which speeds up ripening and lowers shelf life.
• D. Because customers prefer melons that have no smell at all.

2. Based on the research, which statement accurately reflects the relationship between melons and watermelons?

• A. They are the exact same kind of fruit.
• B. They are in the same family but different genera.
• C. Watermelons are technically a type of cucumber.
• D. They are not related in any way.

3. Why would a small, local farm prefer to grow the special varieties developed by Rafi versus commercial ones?

• A. To provide fruit that is picked at peak ripeness for immediate consumption.
• B. Because the fruit is easier to package into heavy crates.
• C. Because those varieties can last for months on a store shelf.
• D. Because they are resistant to all diseases.

4. Which of these is a key reason why scientists classify cucumbers and cantaloupes similarly?

• A. They are both used to make pickles.
• B. They have the same color skin.
• C. They both belong to the same genus, Cucumis.
• D. They ripen exactly as fast as watermelons.