Which of the following shrivel and fall off when ovary ripens to form fruit :

Options

A. Sepals
B. Petals
C. Stamen
D. All of the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Flower Structure**: A flower consists of four main parts: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels (which include the ovary). Each part has a specific function.

2. **Identifying Functions of Flower Parts**:
- **Sepals**: These are the green parts that protect the flower bud before it blooms.
- **Petals**: These are the colorful parts that attract pollinators for pollination.
- **Stamens**: These are the male reproductive parts that produce pollen.
- **Carpels**: These are the female reproductive parts, which include the ovary that develops into fruit after fertilization.

3. **Process of Pollination and Fertilization**: Once pollination occurs, the ovary within the carpel will ripen to form fruit, and the ovules will develop into seeds.

4. **Identifying Which Parts Fall Off**: After the ovary ripens:
- The **sepals** are no longer needed for protection.
- The **petals** are no longer needed to attract pollinators.
- The **stamens** are no longer needed as the pollen has already been transferred.

5. **Conclusion**: Since sepals, petals, and stamens are not needed after the ovary has ripened into fruit, they will shrivel and fall off. Therefore, the correct answer is that all three parts (sepals, petals, and stamens) will fall off.

**Final Answer**: All of the above (sepals, petals, and stamens) shrivel and fall off when the ovary ripens to form fruit.

---