Trees change colors in the fall because they stop using chlorophyll. When summer ends, trees begin to prepare for winter by slowing down food production and stopping the use of green chlorophyll. As the green fades away, other hidden pigments like yellow or red appear, just like when you mix paints!
Examples
- A maple tree starts showing yellow leaves when it gets cooler.
- An oak tree turns red because it's making more anthocyanin.
- A birch tree shows its yellow color early because it’s losing chlorophyll quickly.
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See also
- Why Do Forests Have Different Colors in the Fall?
- Why Do Trees Shed Their Leaves In Autumn Season?
- Why Do Forests Breathe Like Living Beings?
- Why Do Forests Change Color in Autumn?
- What is understory?