Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
The fall foliage in New Jersey is expected to hit its peak color sometime in the next week or two, but every year this natural cycle varies depending on summer conditions.
“Leaf color change in autumn is a great example of how living organisms respond to seasonal cues,”
said Kwangwon Lee, a biology professor at Rutgers University-Camden, who explained the science behind the changes of color in nature. As days grow shorter and temperatures drop, trees sense that winter is coming and begin shutting down food production. Trees stop making chlorophyll, the green pigment used in photosynthesis, and as that fades, the yellow, orange, and red pigments that were hidden in the leaves become visible.
This is a natural process of energy conservation before trees shed their leaves for winter. As a result of the summer’s dry conditions, we may see more muted colors. Trees may start shutting down food production and shedding their leaves a little earlier than usual.
Author summary: Leaves change color due to seasonal cues.
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