Carotenoids are often found in foods that are considered to have antioxidant properties in human nutrition. what related function do they have in plants?

The function of carotenoids in plant is the dissipation of excess light energy.

Explanation:

Carotenoids are a group of chemicals that are found in food, the chemicals possess antioxidant properties, which help the cell to get rid of radical species. Carotenoids are also presents in plants.  In plants, carotenoids help the plants to absorb energy from sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. They also protect chlorophyll in plants from been damaged by the sun.

They protect against oxidative damage from excessive light energy.

Explanation:

the oldest known insects are believed to live around 400 millions ago as suggested by the fossil records.   some plants having woody stems also evolved during this time.

after the evolution of insects the first four legged species or the tetrapods evolved in shallow freshwater habitats from the intermediate species approximately 397 million years ago. the tetrapods went on conquering the land giving rise to amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds.

the major split in tetrapods first occurred 340 million years ago branching off from amphibians.

363 million years ago when the carboniferous period began the insects started roaming on land and taking flights, following which the four limbed tetrapods adapted in the terrestrial habitat.