Sepal

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/sepal

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the floral whorl position?Outermost whorl of floral organs, collectively forming the calyx
2. What is the developmental origin?Initiated from the floral meristem, typically preceding other floral organs
3. Why do sepals have hairs or thick skin?Hairs and thick skin help keep the bud from drying out, from getting hurt, and keep tiny bugs away.
4. How can sepals help a flower attract pollinators?Some plants grow bright, colorful sepals that look like petals, so bees, butterflies, or birds are drawn to them.

Calyx: The collective term for all sepals of a flower, forming the outermost whorl.
Ontogeny: The developmental history of an organism or part of an organism.
Petalody: The condition where sepals are modified to resemble petals in form and color.
Pollination Syndrome: A suite of floral traits that have evolved in response to the attraction of specific pollinators.