After the rut, an “abscission layer” forms between the antlers and their pedicels. When the connective tissue dissolves, the antlers loosen and fall off.

After the rut, an “abscission layer” forms between the antlers and their pedicels. When the connective tissue dissolves, the antlers loosen and fall off.

In most deciduous trees, a group of cells grows between the branches and the leaves, called the abscission layer, and acts as a sort of off-valve for water and nutrients once daylight begins to wane.

But in marcescent trees, the abscission layer doesn’t form until spring and that’s when their leaves finally fall to the ground. Scientists aren’t sure why certain tree species hold their ...

Looking at the broader picture of changes trees undergo in the fall, when the abscission layer is fully formed, the leaf falls off. At the same time, deciduous trees are preparing for next season ...

This abscission layer, when it spans the entire stem, causes the leaf to fall off the tree. This helps protect these trees from losing water from their leaves during the winter (an extremely dry ...

Soon, the abscission layer will fully close off, causing the leaf to die and fall from the tree. Since leaves are expendable, it’s no big deal for trees to shed them. Plus, as leaves break down on the ...

This process forms an abscission layer where the leaf will eventually separate. This abscission layer blocks or prevents sugars from escaping the leaves. During the growing season, leaves constantly ...

One culprit is auxin, a hormone whose dwindling levels in the foliage instigate a rift within the abscission layer—the sector of the leaf formed amid springtime sprawl.

While the auxin reduces, a layer of cells called the abscission layer is broken down, straining the bond between the leaf and the tree branch, according to Forestry and Land Scotland.

The layers are also typically designed to contour to your body and cradle you while you toss and turn during sleep. It evens the weight distribution, preventing a sinking or sagging feeling.