What process describes the release of water from plants?

Transpiration is the process that describes the release of water vapor from plants, primarily through small openings in the leaves called stomata. This process is essential for various physiological functions in plants, including nutrient uptake and temperature regulation. As water evaporates from the surface of the leaves, it creates a negative pressure in the plant's vascular system, which helps draw more water and nutrients from the roots up through the xylem.

Precipitation refers to any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, such as rain or snow, and does not describe the release of water from plants. Evaporation involves the transition of water from a liquid state to a vapor state, but it is not specific to the plant process, as it occurs in various environments, including bodies of water and soil. Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, typically forming clouds or dew, and is not related to how plants release water. Therefore, the focus on transpiration accurately captures the specific mechanism involved in the movement of water from plants to the atmosphere.