<P> Pollen does not move on its own and thus requires wind or animal pollinators to disperse the pollen to the stigma (botany) of the same or nearby flowers . However, pollinators are rather selective in determining the flowers they choose to pollinate . This develops competition between flowers and as a result flowers must provide incentives to appeal to pollinators (unless the flower self - pollinates or is involved in wind pollination). Petals play a major role in competing to attract pollinators . Henceforth pollination dispersal could occur and the survival of many species of flowers could prolong . </P> <P> Petals have various functions and purposes depending on the type of plant . In general, petals operate to protect some parts of the flower and attract / repel specific pollinators . </P> <P> This is where the positioning of the flower petals are located on the flower is the corolla e.g. the buttercup having shiny yellow flower petals which contain guidelines amongst the petals in aiding the pollinator towards the nectar . Pollinators have the ability to determine specific flowers they wish to pollinate . Using incentives flowers draw pollinators and set up a mutual relation between each other in which case the pollinators will remember to always guard and pollinate these flowers (unless incentives are not consistently met and competition prevails). </P> <P> The petals could produce different scents to allure desirable pollinators or repel undesirable pollinators . Some flowers will also mimic the scents produced by materials such as decaying meat, to attract pollinators to them . </P>

What is the function of the petals in the unopened flower