Question 1: Central Park’s famous promenade seen in today’s image is known as what?
- The Mall
- Bethesda Terrace
- Bow Bridge
Correct Answer: The Mall
Fact: The Mall, one of Central Park’s most famous spots, is a quarter-mile promenade flanked by benches and American elm trees. The Literary Walk, named for monuments of famous writers like William Shakespeare and Robert Burns, is at the south end of the Mall. At the north end is the Naumburg Bandshell, where the public can enjoy free performances of classical music.
Question 2: Why do trees’ leaves change colors and fall off during autumn?
- Cold kills the leaves
- To conserve energy
- To create mulch
Correct Answer: To conserve energy
Fact: Leaves’ green color comes from chlorophyll, which trees use to turn sunlight into stored sugars necessary to grow and survive winter. With less light during shorter winter days, trees absorb and store the chlorophyll, allowing the leaves’ red and yellow pigments to show through.
Question 3: Why are more spiders in our houses during autumn?
- They’re attracted to light
- They’re mating
- They’re hunting food for winter
Correct Answer: They’re mating
Fact: Most spiders mature in the spring or summer and spend their time looking for food. As autumn approaches, male spiders that only live for about a year begin looking for a mate. The spiders we see more frequently in fall have likely always been there. What we’re noticing are libidinous males seeking out females who are broadcasting pheromones to potential suitors/dinner guests (females often eat their mates).