Final answer:
In the fall, leaves turn from green to yellow and red due to changes in pigments. Chlorophyll production decreases, revealing other pigments like carotenoids and anthocyanins.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the fall, leaves turn from green to yellow and red due to changes in pigments. One of the pigments responsible for the green color in leaves is chlorophyll, which is involved in the process of photosynthesis. As days shorten and temperatures drop, chlorophyll production decreases, leading to the breakdown of chlorophyll in leaves.
When chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments, such as carotenoids (responsible for yellow and orange colors) and anthocyanins (responsible for red and purple colors), become visible. Carotenoids are present in leaves throughout the year but are masked by chlorophyll in the summer. Anthocyanins are produced in response to environmental factors like sunlight, temperature, and nutrient availability.
The combination of these pigments gives leaves their vibrant yellow, orange, and red colors in the fall.
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