Why do tree leaves change color?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Chlorophyll breaks down
Chlorophyll breaks down ✓ — Correct! In fall, trees stop making chlorophyll as days get shorter. The green fades, revealing other pigments that were always there: yellow carotenoids and orange xanthophylls. Red and purple appear when sugars get trapped in leaves. This colorful show helps trees prepare for winter by recycling nutrients!
Cold weather damages leaves — Wrong. Cold doesn't damage leaves to create colors. The color change is a controlled process where chlorophyll breaks down, revealing other pigments as trees prepare for winter.
Less water turns them brown — Wrong. Water deficiency causes wilting and browning, not the beautiful fall colors. Autumn colors come from chlorophyll breakdown revealing other pigments as trees recycle nutrients.