Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the role of petals in flowers?

1. To provide nourishment to seeds

2. To support the stamen and pistil

3. To surround and protect the pistil

4. To attract other plants

The correct answer is: To surround and protect the pistil

The role of petals in flowers primarily lies in their function to attract pollinators. They serve as the colorful, often vibrant parts of the flower, designed to draw in insects, birds, and other animals that are responsible for the transfer of pollen. This process is vital for the reproduction of many plants. Petals can vary greatly in shape, size, and color to effectively lure specific types of pollinators, thus enhancing the chances of successful fertilization and seed production. While some petals may also play a supportive role for the reproductive structures, such as the stamen and pistil, their primary function is not to provide nourishment or direct protection, but rather to facilitate pollination through attraction. Surrounding and protecting the pistil can involve other floral structures, but it is the petals that significantly contribute to the flower's aesthetic appeal and reproductive strategy. Thus, their main role centers around their ability to attract pollinators rather than merely serving as a protective barrier.