The Predominant Reasons for the Colour Change - Essay Example

According to The United States National Arboretum, “while the temperature may dictate the colour and its intensity, it is only one of many environmental factors that play a part in painting deciduous woodlands in glorious fall colours” (par. 2). This was corroborated by Schwartz who averred that “although day length, light, temperature, ground moisture and insects all affect fall colours, scientists say that climate change might also be having an impact” (Schwartz par. 22). Source: The United States National Arboretum Source: Schwartz A simple explanation on why leaves change their colour in fall was provided in Science News.

As indicated, the rationale stems from the three main pigments in leaves, identified as “carotene, anthocyanin, and the photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll, which captures the sun’s energy to make food for plants” (University of Wisconsin-Madison par. 2). The most predominantly abundant pigment was identified to be chlorophyll which is responsible for giving the leaves the colour green reportedly during summer and spring. The article likewise indicated that there is another crucial component in the leaves, auxin, which was a chemical noted to control cells, specifically at the base part of the leaf: the abscission layer.

During spring or summer, the abscission layer was identified to be prevented from full development by the auxin and therefore restricts the connection of the leaves to the alleged circulatory system of the tree (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Then, as explicitly noted, during fall, “cooler and shorter days trigger an end to auxin production, allowing the abscission layer to grow and cut off the circulation of water, nutrients and sugar to the leaves. When this happens, chlorophyll disintegrates rapidly, letting carotene shine through as the yellow in maple, aspen and birch leaves” (University of Wisconsin-Madison par. 4). The roles of other environmental factors were further explained in the article published by The United States National Arboretum.

Accordingly, “temperature, sunlight, and soil moisture greatly influence the quality of the fall foliage display” (The United States National Arboretum par. 8). Likewise, at its simplest narrative structure, Schwartz added that “leaves at the top and outer edges of a canopy usually have far brighter colour than the leaves that get less intense sunlight” (par. 13). Thus, the position of the leaves, the exposure to sunlight, the location and kind of trees all contribute to disparities in pigmentation and colours.

The reasons why changes in colours are likewise different ensue from the masking of pigments in leaves. As indicated: “Chlorophyll normally masks the yellow pigments known as xanthophylls and the orange pigments called carotenoids — both then become visible when the green chlorophyll is gone. These colours are present in the leaf throughout the growing season. Red and purple pigments come from anthocyanins. In the fall anthocyanins are manufactured from the sugars that are trapped in the leaf.

In most plants, anthocyanins are typically not present during the growing season” (The United States National Arboretum par. 6) Applications The change in colours of leaves during autumn affects people in terms of influencing emotions through the different colours that were exhibited. It has been proven that colours affect people’s emotions (Cherry). It was specifically indicated that “colours in the red area of the colour spectrum are known as warm colours and include red, orange and yellow. These warm colours evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility.

Colours on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colours and include blue, purple and green. These colours are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference” (Cherry pars. 7 & 8). This was corroborated by Gruson who disclosed the significant effects of colour on people’s behaviour. The author averred that “several experiments have shown that different colours affect blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates as well as brain activity and biorhythms. As a result, colours are now used in the treatment of a variety of diseases” (Gruson par. 6). Overall, the natural phenomenon of fall colours could be instrumental in signalling a change of emotions from the calming effect of the green, to vibrant happy red or melancholy blue, as seen in the vividly colourful environment.