Did you ever wonder why autumn
brings such beautiful scenery? The biggest
factor of this season is the vibrant tree leaves. There is a reason why these
leaves reveal their colors during this time period. Many deciduous trees
shed their leaves as part of their strategy to survive through the winter.
Like some woodland critters, trees also go through a hibernation stage.
It isn't the temperatures that
trigger this. As the days grow shorter, there is less sunlight. Trees get their
energy from the sun through a process called photosynthesis. So, the fact that
there is less sunlight lets the trees know that it’s time to wind down for
hibernation.
During the
hibernation process, the trees stop producing chlorophyll. Without chlorophyll,
the natural chemical that gives the tree leaves their green pigment; leaves
would be the same fall colors all year round. This is why the leaves lose their
green pigment and eventually fall off. The beautiful colors such as red,
orange, and yellow are actually there all year round, but are only revealed
during the hibernation process. That is why autumn brings such beautiful
scenery.
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Class of 2016 senior, Charlynn Todd, selected Commercial Art as her shop in order to plan for her future. She intends to make her best accomplishments within the comfort of her home by creating a photography studio and t-shirt design business. Most importantly to her, she plans to raise a family of her own in her own, loving home-sweet-home. She uses her free time to work on her portfolio which will enable her to take steps toward the goals she's been planning, which includes a continuation of her education through online courses upon graduation and a move to Pittsburgh. Other times, you can find her enjoying her free-time with family, laughing with friends, and playing with her pet turtle.
