*** About Maple Leaves: Maple leaves, prominently known for their vivid fall colors and distinct shape, are much more than just an autumn emblem. In Canada, the maple leaf is celebrated as a national symbol, featuring notably on the country's flag and various emblems. The vibrant display of colors that maple leaves undertake before shedding is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll, which allows the yellow to orange pigments known as carotenoids, and sometimes anthocyanin (which appears red), to dominate the visual landscape. This natural phenomenon not only provides aesthetic pleasure but also plays a crucial role in the ecological system, providing nutrients back to the soil upon their decay.

Image ID: 52628