What happens to the sepals as the flower opens?

As a flower begins to open, the sepals, which are the outermost part of the flower often resembling green leaves, typically unfurl. This unfurling is an essential process as it allows for protection of the developing flower bud to diminish, allowing the petals to bloom fully and become visible. The movement of the sepals can vary with different types of flowers; in many cases, they will spread or fold back to facilitate the opening of the flower, consequently aiding in pollination as the flower becomes more accessible to pollinators. This process is important for the reproductive success of the plant. While sepals may eventually wither, change color, or even fall off after the blooming phase and once the flower has completed its life cycle, these actions are generally secondary and different from the initial unfurling that occurs as a flower opens.