Final answer:
The research question of Katherine's experiment revolves around whether temperature influences leaf color change, aligning with her experiment's setup of comparing leaf coloration at different temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The research question being addressed in Katherine's experiment is: Does temperature influence the color change in leaves? This question relates directly to the premise of Katherine's experiment, which involves placing leaves in rooms at different temperatures to observe any potential changes in coloration.
Leaves change color in the fall when there are shorter days and cooler temperatures. This environmental change leads to a reduction in chlorophyll production, which allows other pigments, such as carotenoids, that show orange and yellow colors, to become visible. However, it is important to note that while temperature does play a role in this process, it is not the only factor – changes in daylight also contribute significantly. So, if Katherine is studying the effect of temperature alone, her experiment might not fully capture the complexity of the natural process.