Which process involves plants releasing water vapor as part of the water cycle?

Which process involves plants releasing water vapor as part of the water cycle?

• A. Evaporation
• B. Transpiration
• C. Condensation
• D. Infiltration

Answer: (B)

Transpiration is the process where plants release water vapor from their leaves. Water absorbed by roots travels up the plant and is lost to the atmosphere through stomata, tiny openings on leaf surfaces. This water loss is a key way moisture enters the air, working alongside evaporation from lakes, rivers, and soil as part of evapotranspiration in the water cycle. This differs from evaporation, which is water turning into vapor from surface sources due to heat; condensation, which is vapor cooling into liquid droplets forming clouds; and infiltration, which is water seeping down into the soil.

Transpiration is the process where plants release water vapor from their leaves. Water absorbed by roots travels up the plant and is lost to the atmosphere through stomata, tiny openings on leaf surfaces. This water loss is a key way moisture enters the air, working alongside evaporation from lakes, rivers, and soil as part of evapotranspiration in the water cycle.

This differs from evaporation, which is water turning into vapor from surface sources due to heat; condensation, which is vapor cooling into liquid droplets forming clouds; and infiltration, which is water seeping down into the soil.