1. Seed dispersal: Fruits serve as a means for seed dispersal, allowing plants to reproduce and spread their offspring. When animals or birds eat fruits, they ingest the seeds and disperse them through their feces. This helps the plant species colonize new areas and reproduce sexually.
2. Protection of seeds: Fruits provide a protective environment for the enclosed seeds. The fleshy pulp of the fruit offers a physical barrier against external factors like weather conditions and predators. The hard outer covering, such as the skin or rind, further protects the seeds from physical damage.