Question

Flowers emit fragrance
A. To purify the air
B. To attract insects
C. To drive away flies
D. To perform all of these mentioned functions

Answer 1

A flower is a reproductive structure found in flowering plants that are also known as a bloom or blossom (plants of the division Magnoliophyta, also called angiosperms). A flower's biological role is to aid reproduction, normally by providing a mechanism for sperm and eggs to unite. Flowers can enable selfing (fusion of sperm and eggs from the same flower) when self-pollination occurs, or promote outcrossing (fusion of sperm and eggs from different individuals in a population) when cross-pollination occurs. Flowers also release the fragrance.

Complete explanation:
Option A: The function of purification of air is not performed by the fragrance released by the plants. The fragrance might create a sweet smell in the air but it does not purify the air.
Hence, option A is incorrect.
Option B: Pollinators, which are often insects, are attracted to flowers by their scent. The scent is significant in the designation and preference of flowers by insects, especially moth-pollinated flowers, which are detected and visited at night.
Hence, option B is correct.
Option C: Flowers have distinct aromas that attract various pollinators. Bees, moths, and butterflies, for example, are attracted to sweet-smelling flowers like roses, while dung flies are drawn to flowers that smell like rotting meat. Hence, the fragrance does not drive the fly away.
As a result, option C is incorrect.
Option D: Since it is proven that the statement that says the fragrance drives the insects away and purifies the air is wrong. All of the above functions are not correct.
Hence, option D is incorrect.

Hence, Option B is the correct answer.

Note:
The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or fragrance compounds released by floral tissue are referred to as floral scent or flower scent (e.g., flower petals). Aroma, fragrance, flower odour, and perfume are all terms used to describe the floral scent. Many flowering plant species have a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), often up to several hundred. Floral scent has two main functions: it repels herbivorous insects, particularly floriferous insects (see Plant defence against herbivory), and it attracts pollinators.