Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

In the hydrologic cycle, what occurs during the process of transpiration?

1. Water is absorbed by the soil

2. Water is released into the air

3. Water evaporates from the ocean

4. Water condenses into clouds

The correct answer is: Water is released into the air

Transpiration refers to the process by which water is released into the atmosphere from the leaves and stems of plants. During this process, water that has been absorbed by plant roots is transported through the plant and eventually evaporates from small pores (stomata) on the leaves. This release of water vapor contributes significantly to the moisture in the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the hydrologic cycle by returning water to the air, which can later contribute to precipitation. Understanding the hydrologic cycle is important because it illustrates the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth and highlights the interconnectedness of different environmental processes. Other processes in the hydrologic cycle like evaporation from oceans, condensation into clouds, and absorption by soil represent different mechanisms and stages of water movement, but they are distinct from transpiration. Transpiration specifically emphasizes the biological aspect of water movement and the role of living organisms in this cycle.