In autumn, chlorophyll is degraded in the leaves of deciduous trees. Which of the following statements best explains the change in color from green to shades of yellow, orange, or red?

A) Sugars from sap fill the leaves prior to winter.
B) Degraded chlorophyll appears yellow, orange, or red.
C) In the absence of photosynthesis, the leaves produce energy exclusively by aerobic cellular respiration.
D) Other pigments such as carotenoids remain in the leaves after the chlorophyll is degraded.