The plant part that develops into a fruit is the ovary, which is found at the base of the flower. After fertilization occurs, the ovary undergoes changes and matures into a fruit, encapsulating the seeds for protection and dispersal. Fruits come in various forms, and their primary purpose is to aid in the reproduction of the plant by attracting animals and other agents that help in seed dispersal. The ovary’s development into a fruit is a crucial element of the plant's reproductive system, facilitating the continuation of the species through the next generation.