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After fertilization, the ovary of the flower develops into the fruit. Fruits are frequently associated with a sweet flavor, however, they are not always sweet. The ovules form the seed which is enclosed within the fruit and is guarded by the fruit.

The seeds and the fruit develop at the same time. The fruit's primary function is to protect and disperse seeds. Fruit seeds must be dispersed far from the mother plant in order to sprout and flourish in more favourable and less competitive conditions.

Some fruits have built-in systems that allow them to self-distribute, whereas others require the assistance of agents such as wind, animals, and water. Seed distribution is aided by changes in seed structure, content, and size.

• Wind-borne fruit is small in weight and often contains wing-like appendages that allow it to be carried by the wind; some even have parachute-like features to keep it floating. Dandelions' fruits, for example, float on the breeze due to their hairy, weightless qualities.
• Coconuts, for example, are light and buoyant, allowing them to float in the water when spread out.
• Fruit-eating animals and birds distribute the seeds in faraway areas by leaving droppings. Others hide fruit in the hopes that it may germinate later.
• Some fruits attach to animals' bodies and are transferred to new locations.
• People can also aid seed dissemination by transporting fruits to other locations.