The Real Reason Leaves Change Color In the Fall

Thanks to Lynda.com for sponsoring this video. Visit https://www.lynda.com/earth for a 10-day free trial Thanks also to our Patreon patrons: - Today I Found Out - Jeff Straathof - Mark - Maarten Bremer - Alberto Bortoni - Valentin - Nicholas Buckendorf - Antoine Coeur ___________________________________________ Want to learn more about the topic in this week’s video? Here are some keywords to get your googling started: Leaf senescence, chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanin ___________________________________________ Credits: Script Writer: Peter Reich and Henry Reich (twitter:@MinutePhysics) Video Illustrator: Ever Salazar (twitter:@eversalazar) Video Director: Henry Reich With Contributions From: Kate Yoshida (twitter:@KateYoshida), Emily Elert (twitter:@eelert) and Alex Reich (twitter:@alexhreich) Music by: Nathaniel Schroeder: http://www.soundcloud.com/drschroeder _________________________________________ Like our videos? Subscribe to MinuteEarth on YouTube: http://goo.gl/EpIDGd And for exclusive early access to all our videos, sign up with Vessel: https://goo.gl/hgD1iJ Already subbed? Help us keep making MinuteEarth by supporting us on Patreon: https://goo.gl/ZVgLQZ Also, say hello on: Facebook: http://goo.gl/FpAvo6 Twitter: http://goo.gl/Y1aWVC And find us on itunes: https://goo.gl/sfwS6n ________________________ References: Hoch, W. A., Singsaas, E. L., & McCown, B. H. (2003). Resorption protection. Anthocyanins facilitate nutrient recovery in autumn by shielding leaves from potentially damaging light levels. Plant Physiology, 133(3), 1296-1305. Feild, T. S., Lee, D. W., & Holbrook, N. M. (2001). Why leaves turn red in autumn. The role of anthocyanins in senescing leaves of red-osier dogwood. Plant physiology, 127(2), 566-574. Image Credits: Maple Tree - William Warby https://www.flickr.com/photos/wwarby/5130990917/in/gallery-84329238@N02-72157631555877435/ Red Maple Tree - John Brueske http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-28786426/