What happens to a flower after fertilization?

After fertilization, the ovary of the flower undergoes significant changes and develops into a fruit. This process is essential for the reproductive cycle of flowering plants. The fertilization process involves the fusion of male and female gametes, which leads to the formation of seeds. To protect these seeds and aid in their dispersal, the ovary enlarges and transforms into fruit. This fruit can take various forms, such as fleshy fruits like apples or dry fruits like nuts, depending on the plant species.

The production of fruit is crucial because it not only houses the seeds but also attracts animals and other agents that can help disperse the seeds, promoting the spread of the plants. This is a key evolutionary adaptation that enhances reproductive success and genetic diversity within plant populations. Other options, such as wilting, producing nectar, or growing new leaves, do not directly relate to the essential changes that occur immediately after fertilization in the context of the flower's reproductive function.