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    Home » Science Questions » Why do leaves change colour in Autumn?

    Why do leaves change colour in Autumn?

    November 3, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

    A sign of autumn is when leaves on some trees start to change colour. The green colour starts to fade to be replaced by red, orange or yellow. Do you know why leaves change colour in autumn?

    This infographic from the Forestry Commission explains brilliantly.

    why do leaves change colour in autumn

    Why do leaves change colour in autumn?

    Plants make energy by a process called photosynthesis. They convert carbon dioxide from the air, water and sunlight into energy and oxygen. A chemical pigment called chlorophyll absorbs the sunlight for photosynthesis and also gives the leaves their green colour, there is so much chlorophyll in the leaf that it masks the other colours, such as carotene which is yellow.

    In autumn, when the temperature starts to drop the tree severs the connection with the leaves and the chlorophyll breaks down, revealing the other colours in the leaves. Eventually the leaves fall to the ground. We call these trees Deciduous.

    Why do some trees stay green?

    Some trees stay green all year round, we call these Evergreen trees. These trees keep their leaves all winter and so still need the chlorophyll to make energy. You’ll notice that the leaves on Evergreen trees are usually smaller and often have a waxy layer which helps prevent water loss in the winter, they also produce a chemical which stops them freezing! How clever is that.

    Learn more about autumn with my easy autumn STEM challenges!

    image of red and yellow leaves for a science questions about why leaves change colour in autumn

    Last Updated on September 23, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « Creepy Crawlies and Candy Science Hangout
    15 Science Experiments for Autumn and Fall »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. The Monko

      November 06, 2013 at 8:44 pm

      how have i got this far in life and never known that. And why did I never ask. I am so glad I read this post because Goblin is in a real questioning phase at the moment and its just the kind of thing he might ask.

      Reply

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