Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

What causes leaves to change color in the fall?

A The temperature drops significantly.

B The days become shorter.

C The chlorophyll breaks down.

D The trees stop producing oxygen.

Answer: C

The correct answer is C. The chlorophyll in leaves breaks down in the fall, revealing other pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, which give leaves their autumn colors.

In the fall, as the days become shorter and the temperatures drop, trees prepare for the winter by shedding their leaves. This process involves the breakdown of chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. As chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments present in the leaves, such as carotenoids (which produce yellow, orange, and brown colors) and anthocyanins (which produce red and purple colors), are revealed.

The changing colors of leaves in the fall create the vibrant and beautiful autumn foliage that many people enjoy. This natural phenomenon is a result of the chemical processes that occur within the leaves as they prepare for the dormant winter months.

While the days getting shorter and the temperature dropping are part of the seasonal changes that trigger the process, it is the breakdown of chlorophyll that ultimately leads to the stunning array of colors seen in fall foliage.