What is the main purpose of sepals?

• A. To attract pollinators
• B. To produce nectar
• C. To protect the ovary after fertilization
• D. To surround and protect the bud

Answer: (D)

Sepals form the protective outer layer of a flower, and their main job is to surround and shield the developing bud. This safety cover helps guard delicate floral parts from physical damage, desiccation, and pathogens as the bud forms and before the petals and reproductive organs unfold. They’re usually green and leaf-like, not aimed at attracting pollinators—that role belongs to petals and other features. Nectar isn’t produced by sepals either; that’s done by specialized nectaries. After fertilization, the ovary and fruit take over the reproductive process, not the sepals. So the idea of surrounding and protecting the bud best captures what sepals do.