Why do fruits ripen faster when wrapped than when left unwrapped?

Fruits ripen faster when wrapped because wrapping traps ethylene gas, a natural ripening hormone produced by the fruit. This increased concentration of ethylene accelerates the ripening process. Additionally, wrapping can help retain moisture and warmth, creating an ideal environment for ripening. In contrast, unwrapped fruits are exposed to air, which allows ethylene to disperse and slows down the ripening process.