Why do trees shed leaves in autumn?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: To conserve water and energy
Leaves die from cold — Wrong. Trees don't passively lose leaves to cold damage. Leaf drop is an active, controlled process where trees form special cells to cut off leaves and conserve resources for winter.
To conserve water and energy ✓ — Correct! Trees shed leaves as a survival strategy. In winter, frozen ground makes water scarce and leaves would lose too much water through transpiration. By dropping leaves, trees reduce water loss and save energy. They seal off leaves with a special layer, reabsorb nutrients, then let them fall. It's called dormancy!
Make room for new growth — Wrong. Trees don't shed leaves to make room for new ones. They drop leaves to survive winter by conserving water and energy when conditions are harsh.