Originally published in Athens Science Observer
Leaves don’t just fall by accident: the whole process of trees turning bright colors and then shedding their leaves is a highly regulated step-by-step system initiated by the tree itself. But compared to hibernating or stocking up supplies for winter, dropping leaves appears to be a counter-intuitive strategy for trees to prepare for harsh conditions. The vibrant falling leaves are the tree’s personal factories, vital for energy production. When a tree drops its leaves, it is essentially yanking out its lungs, saying “meh, I don’t need this right now,” and dropping it on the ground. How is this a good way to prepare for winter?
Even though it seems wasteful, shedding leaves is actually an economical strategy for conserving valuable materials…
Uma J Nagendra 