Semiotics of a Leaf--The Dope

In October I wrote about the latest ideas about the evolution of autumn colors. The paper is now out.

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I just read the October article, but haven't read the paper yet. However, I like to point out an issue that may not have been addressed yet: over here in Europe (I live in the Netherlands), autumn trees do not get those pretty North American colors at all. Where the American oak tree gets beautiful red leaves (including the imported ones that grow here), the European oak species' leaves turn brown and crumple. The same goes for other common species like the beech tree. Maybe European insects are color blind?

By Kilian Hekhuis (not verified) on 22 Dec 2005 #permalink