The Changing Colors of Leaves in Autumn

What causes the color change of leaves in autumn?

Is it due to changes in temperature, sunlight exposure, or nutrient levels?

The main factor that causes the color change of leaves in autumn is:

Changes in temperature and sunlight exposure.

During the autumn season, the weather starts to cool down, leading to a decrease in temperature and less sunlight exposure. This change triggers a process in trees called senescence, where they begin to prepare for winter. As a result, the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, revealing other pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. These pigments are responsible for the beautiful array of red, orange, and yellow colors we see in autumn leaves.

The combination of cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight activates the production of these pigments, creating the stunning autumn foliage that captivates us every year. Nutrient levels in the soil also play a role in leaf color, but the primary drivers of the color change are temperature and sunlight exposure.