What is the primary function of the ovary in flowers?

The primary function of the ovary in flowers is to develop into the fruit after fertilization occurs. The ovary, which is the female reproductive organ, contains the ovules that can be fertilized by pollen. Once fertilization takes place, the ovary matures and transforms into fruit, which protects the seeds and aids in their dispersal. This process is essential for the reproduction and propagation of flowering plants.

While the ovary does play a role in enclosing the seeds and is involved in the overall reproductive process, its most significant outcome is the development into the fruit. Fruits serve as a means for plants to ensure the survival of their seeds through various environmental mechanisms, attracting animals for seed dispersal or using wind or water to carry seeds away. Thus, the transformation of the ovary into fruit is a critical aspect of the flowering plant's life cycle.