What is the primary function of the epidermis in plants?

The primary function of the epidermis in plants is to provide protection. The epidermis is the outermost layer of cells covering the plant body, serving as a barrier against physical damage, pathogens, and dehydration. It helps to prevent water loss by creating a waxy cuticle that minimizes evaporation from the plant's surface. This protective layer can also help defend against herbivores and environmental stressors, aiding the plant's survival and overall health. While other options, like storage or nutrient transport, are important functions of different plant structures (such as parenchyma or vascular tissue), they do not pertain to the primary role of the epidermis.