“Go on with the chlorophyll!”- Billy Madison⁣ ⁣ As cooler fall temperatures arrive at Rocky Mountain National Park, local flora & fauna are busy preparing for the winter. Perhaps the most famous fall response comes from aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) and their brilliant leaves. You can tell it’s an Aspen because of the way it is. The vibrant colors have been there all season, just hidden behind chlorophyll, the dominant green pigment responsible for photosynthesis. “Chlorophyll? More like Borophyll!” The yellow and orange carotenoids allow the tree to absorb extra light and supercharge the photosynthetic process, explaining in part why super-exposed tops of trees might turn particularly vibrant! ⁣ ⁣ Image: Aspen trees changing colors with mountains in the distance. NPS/Beach @rockynps ⁣ ⁣ #FallColors #ThatsAmazing #RMNP #NationalParkService