Why Do the Leaves of Deciduous Trees Change Color in the Fall

Question

Why do the leaves of deciduous trees change color in the fall?
A)Chlorophyll is degraded, while carotenoids and other pigments are still present in the leaves.
B)The degraded chlorophyll changes into many other colors.
C)Because the water supply to the leaves has been reduced.
D)Because sugars are sent away from the leaves.
E)Because the leaves produce greater amounts of carotenoids which reflect the orange light.

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color of leaves, breaks down in the fall as the days get shorter and the temperature drops. Other pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, which were always present in the leaves, become more visible as the green chlorophyll fades away, resulting in the characteristic yellow, orange, red, and purple colors of fall foliage.