Ask Dr. Universe: Why do leaves change colors?

Dr.-Universe-with-leavesPULLMAN, Wash. – Ever since I was a kitten, I’ve loved picking up big maple leaves in the fall. I’d take them home, put them under a piece of paper and rub the side of a crayon over the top. It makes a great print of the leaf.

Leaves actually get their color from things called pigments. While scientists can use chemicals to make different crayon colors, nature can use pigments to create its own colors.

Read all of this answer from Dr. Universe at https://askdruniverse.wsu.edu/2016/09/26/why-do-leaves-change-colors/.

 

A service of Washington State University, Ask Dr. Universe answers some of the most interesting, tough and smart questions from curious kids all around the world.