Why do leaves change color?

Fall Foliage in yellow and orange
Fall Foliage

Fall has come at last and with it the changing of the colors of the leaves. Red, yellow, orange and maroon leaves are everywhere! But, why do leaves not just turn brown and fall to the earth? Why do we get this spectacular display of vivid color? If you want to know WHY, try the links below:

National Forest Service
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/pubs/leaves/leaves.shtm

 

Science Made Easy
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html

Wikipedia: Autumn Leaf Color
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumn_leaf_color