What is transpiration in relation to water cycles?

What is transpiration in relation to water cycles?

• A. Absorption of water by soil
• B. Release of water vapor by living plants
• C. Collection of rainwater in reservoirs
• D. Evaporation of surface water

Answer: (B)

Transpiration is the process by which living plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. This occurs primarily through small openings in the leaves known as stomata. When plants absorb water from the soil, they use a portion of it for photosynthesis and growth, while the excess moisture is expelled as vapor. This process plays a vital role in the water cycle, as it contributes to the movement of water from the ground into the atmosphere, influencing weather patterns and climate. The other options relate to different aspects of the water cycle. For example, the absorption of water by soil refers to how plants and soil act to retain moisture, which is crucial for plant growth but does not describe the process of transpiration. The collection of rainwater in reservoirs refers to human-engineered systems for storage and does not inherently involve the natural processes of plant transpiration. Lastly, evaporation of surface water describes a different process where water changes from liquid to vapor, occurring from sources like lakes and rivers, rather than through living organisms. Understanding transpiration is important for comprehending the overall dynamics of the water cycle and the role of vegetation in regulating water availability.

Transpiration is the process by which living plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. This occurs primarily through small openings in the leaves known as stomata. When plants absorb water from the soil, they use a portion of it for photosynthesis and growth, while the excess moisture is expelled as vapor. This process plays a vital role in the water cycle, as it contributes to the movement of water from the ground into the atmosphere, influencing weather patterns and climate.

The other options relate to different aspects of the water cycle. For example, the absorption of water by soil refers to how plants and soil act to retain moisture, which is crucial for plant growth but does not describe the process of transpiration. The collection of rainwater in reservoirs refers to human-engineered systems for storage and does not inherently involve the natural processes of plant transpiration. Lastly, evaporation of surface water describes a different process where water changes from liquid to vapor, occurring from sources like lakes and rivers, rather than through living organisms. Understanding transpiration is important for comprehending the overall dynamics of the water cycle and the role of vegetation in regulating water availability.