What is the Difference Between Sepals and Petals?

The difference between sepals and petals lies in their position within the flower and their functions:

Sepals:

• Enclose and protect the developing bud of the flower.
• Often green and leaf-like in appearance.
• Found at the lower part of the flower.
• Usually, a flower has 2-5 sepals.
• Collectively called the calyx, which forms the outermost whorl of the flower.

Petals:

• Modified leaves that surround the reproductive structures of the flower.
• Often shaped or brightly colored to attract pollinators.
• Found in the inner whorl to the sepals, forming the corolla.
• Protect and attract pollinators to the stamen and pistil, the parts of the plant needed for reproduction.

In summary, sepals are leaf-like structures that enclose and protect the developing bud of the flower, while petals are modified leaves that surround the reproductive structures of the flower and attract pollinators.

Comparative Table: Sepals vs Petals

Here is a table comparing the differences between sepals and petals:

The main difference between sepals and petals lies in their position within the flower and their function. Sepals form the outermost whorl of a flower and provide protection for the bud, while petals form the inner whorl and are often brightly colored to attract pollinators. The calyx and corolla together make up the non-reproductive portion of the flower, known as the perianth.