The correct option is (a).
Explanation
A typical flower consists of four distinct whorls arranged on the swollen end of the stalk or pedicel, called the thalamus or receptacle. These whorls are the calyx (sepals), corolla (petals), androecium, and gynoecium. The calyx and corolla are accessory organs, while the androecium and gynoecium are reproductive organs.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Sepals are the outermost whorl of the flower. They are typically small, green, leaf-like structures that enclose and protect the flower during the bud stage. They form the calyx.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Petals form the corolla, which is the whorl inner to the calyx. Petals are generally brightly coloured and larger than sepals to attract insects and birds for pollination. The description of "small, green, leaf-like structures protecting the bud" applies to sepals, not petals.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Not all flowers possess petals of the same colour, nor do they all possess petals to attract insects. Flower colours vary significantly across species (red, yellow, blue, white, etc.) based on the specific pollinator they target. Furthermore, wind-pollinated flowers often lack brightly coloured petals entirely as they do not need to attract pollinators.
Key Takeaway:
Sepals are the outer, green, protective parts of a flower (prominent in the bud), while petals are the inner, often brightly coloured parts designed to facilitate pollination.