"The primary function of fruits is the protection and dispersal of seeds. When seeds develop from ovules, the ovary of a flower develops into a fruit, which protects the enclosed seeds and aids in their dispersal by wind or animals; thus, ""protection and dispersal of seeds"" is the correct answer.
a) Fruit is not a reward for pollinators. Nectar, for example, rewards pollinators; fruit production is a result of successful pollination, but it usually occurs much later.
b) Plants do not use fruit for the storage of food. Because it takes a lot of energy to maintain fruits, they usually drop from the plant before winter.
c) Plants do not use fruit to distract herbivores from eating the leaves; fruit serves only to protect seeds and help with their dispersal—often by attracting herbivores."
