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NatureChapter 2 of 5

Why Leaves Change Color in the Fall

Shorter Days Signal the Change

Golden afternoon light shining through a canopy of yellow autumn leaves in a quiet forest
AI-generated image

As the days get shorter and nights get cooler, trees begin preparing for winter.

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They slow down and eventually stop making new chlorophyll.

As the green chlorophyll breaks down, the yellow and orange colors that were there all along finally show through.

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Trees also form a layer of cells where each leaf joins the branch, which eventually lets the leaf fall.

Continue reading: Chapter 3 of 5 →