Why Are Autumn Leaves Red in America and Yellow in Europe?
Thursday, August 13, 2009 - 08:35
in Mathematics & Economics
Walking outdoors in the fall, the splendidly colorful leaves adorning the trees are a delight to the eye. In Europe these autumn leaves are mostly yellow, while the United States and East Asia boast red foliage. But why is it that there are such differences in autumnal hues around the world? A new theory proposes taking a step 35 million years back to solve the color mystery.