• Question: Why do leaves change colour in autumn?

    Asked by miacorn to Dave, Ed, Guido, Hugh, Stef on 16 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Mariastefania De Vido

      Mariastefania De Vido answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      Hello!

      Leaf colours are due to pigments, which are particular substance produced by the cells in the leaves. These pigments are chlorophyll (green), anthocyanin (red) and carotenoid (yellow-orange). Chlorophyll and carotenoid are produced during the spring and summer seasons (however the colour of chlorophyll masks the colour of carotenoid out), but when days get shorter and colder in autumn, chlorophyll production decreases, carotenoid levels remain constant and anthocyanin production increases. This causes the leaves to change from green to red or yellow.

      Stef

    • Photo: Dave Bond

      Dave Bond answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      I have to completly agree with Stef, that is the answer….

    • Photo: Ed Rial

      Ed Rial answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      Well I’ve learnt something. Thanks Stef

      😀

Comments