Fall Trivia: Nature and Traditions

What is the Autumn Equinox?

• The day when the sun is closest to the Earth

• The day when day and night are of equal length

• The longest day of the year

• The shortest day of the year

Which of the following is a traditional fall harvest festival celebrated in the United States?

• Thanksgiving

• Easter

• Diwali

• Hanukkah

During the fall, which pigment causes leaves to turn red?

• Chlorophyll

• Carotene

• Anthocyanin *

• Xanthophyll

What is the primary reason for the change in leaf color during autumn?

• Increase in chlorophyll production

• Decrease in daylight and temperature

• Increase in rainfall

• Increase in soil nutrients

Which of the following is a common fall harvest tradition in many cultures?

• Planting new crops

• Celebrating the harvest with festivals

• Storing seeds for spring

• Pruning trees

What is the scientific term for the process of leaves changing color in the fall?

• Photosynthesis

• Deciduousness

• Chlorosis

• Senescence *

Which of the following animals is known to migrate during the fall season?

• Monarch butterflies

• Polar bears

• Koalas

• Penguins

What is the significance of the Autumn Equinox in many ancient cultures?

• It marks the beginning of the planting season

• It signifies the balance between light and dark

• It is the time for hunting

• It marks the end of the year

Which of the following is a common change in nature during the fall season?

• Flowers begin to bloom

• Animals begin hibernation

• Trees start to grow new leaves

• Rivers dry up

What is the typical date range for the Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere?

• September 1-5

• September 21-24

• October 1-5

• October 21-24