Why Leaves Change Color

As autumn approaches, the vibrant green leaves of trees begin to change into stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow. This transformation occurs due to changes in daylight and temperature, which signal trees to prepare for winter. During the warmer months, leaves are filled with chlorophyll, a green pigment that helps plants absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. However, as daylight hours decrease in the fall, trees produce less chlorophyll, causing the green color to fade and revealing other pigments that were previously hidden.

The Science Behind Autumn Colors

The beautiful colors of autumn leaves come from different pigments within the leaf. Carotenoids produce yellow and orange hues, while anthocyanins create red and purple shades. The intensity of these colors depends on factors such as temperature, sunlight, and moisture levels. Cooler temperatures and sunny days enhance red pigmentation, while dry conditions can cause leaves to turn brown and fall more quickly. This natural process is not only visually stunning but also helps trees conserve energy by shedding leaves before winter, allowing them to survive colder months more efficiently. Shutdown123