The answer is It protects the seed until it matures.
Through the process of elimination:
- It protects the seed until it matures. YES. A female pine cone the unfertilized seeds until they become mature. Then, the cone opens and seeds fall out of the cone.
- It makes food for the adult plant. NO. The food of plants in made of green leaves that contain chlorophyll in the process of photosynthesis.
- It allows for photosynthesis to occur. NO. The cones have nothing to do with photosynthesis but they are responsible for reproduction.
- It acts as an object to attract birds. NO. The birds look for colourful flowers while cones are woody.
- It serves as an ornamental object on the tree. NO. Every part of plants has more important function than serving as an ornamental object.
