Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

What part of the flower is responsible for attracting pollinators?

1. Petals

2. Pollen

3. Sepals

4. Stigma

The correct answer is: Petals

The petals of a flower play a crucial role in attracting pollinators due to their vibrant colors, shapes, and sometimes even patterns. These characteristics are specifically evolved to draw the attention of various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The visual appeal of the petals, along with fragrances and nectar guides, enhances pollinator attraction, which is essential for the reproductive process of flowering plants. While pollen is important for reproduction and fertilization, it is not primarily responsible for attracting pollinators. Instead, it is the petals that provide the visual cues. Sepals, which are part of the outer flower structure, typically protect the developing bud but do not play a significant role in attracting pollinators. The stigma, although crucial for capturing pollen during fertilization, is located within the flower and does not contribute to attracting pollinators. Thus, petals are the correct answer due to their dedicated function in facilitating pollination through attraction.