Untitled Document
 Green
leaves filled the forest during the summer.
Well, we all know the days of summer are over now. Did you notice how chilly it is in the morning
and night these days? Colder weather won’t be the only
thing you are going to notice. Soon enough, you will see
the leaves on trees changing color. When fall comes, the leaves turn red and yellow. Did
you ever wonder how this happens? It’s almost like magic! When the weather gets
cold, the forest changes color. If you are curious, read on!
Leaves are trees’ food factories. Trees take water from the ground
through their roots. Leaves take sunlight and mix it with
water to make energy! How? Every leaf is filled with a special
chemical called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll
mixes water with light and creates food for the tree. So, it’s almost
like chlorophyll is working as a personal chef for the tree. This chemical
is very green, and it is the reason why leaves are green in color.
As you know, the sun is in the sky for a longer time during the summer.
But during fall and winter, the sun isn’t out in the sky as long.
Night time grows longer and there isn’t as much rain during the colder
months. This means trees can’t make food.
When the days get shorter and shorter, trees know they have to get ready for the winter.
When winter comes, trees will rest, and live on the food
they collected during the summer.
So, they decide to close down their
food making factories. What does this mean? It means chlorophyll must
rest. And as I mentioned to you earlier,
chlorophyll is like a tree’s personal chef. Yes, when fall comes,
it’s time for the chefs to go on vacation.
Here’s a question. What do you think is left in the leaves after all
the chlorophyll goes on a holiday? You see, chlorophyll isn’t the
only chemical that is inside the leaves. There
is what’s called carotenoid. Carotenoids are
chemicals that are red or yellow. They are inside many fruits and
vegetables. For example,
carrots and red peppers have lots of carotenoids.
The truth is, leaves are originally red or yellow
in color. It’s just that during the summer, trees have to make food.
Lots and lots of chlorophyll
are needed. When so much chlorophyll fills up a leaf, it turns green!
One thing to remember is, unlike chlorophyll, carotenoid
is always inside the leaf. Think of it this way. A leaf is a home.
Cartenoids are owners of the home. Chlorophylls
are workers that visit the home to do many chores. It’s simple, right?
Well, now you know why leaves change color in the fall. So, if your
friend asks you what is a leaf’s
original color, say red or
yellow! I am sure you can now tell your friend why he or she is wrong. |
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