The Real Reason Leaves Change Color In the Fall

Thanks to for sponsoring this video. Visit 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: _________________________________________ Like our videos? Subscribe to MinuteEarth on YouTube: And for exclusive early access to all our videos, sign up with Vessel: Already subbed? Help us keep making MinuteEarth by supporting us on Patreon: Also, say hello on: Facebook: Twitter: And find us on itunes: ________________________ 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 @N02-72157631555877435/ Red Maple Tree - John Brueske