What term describes the process of water vapor leaving the leaves of a plant?

Transpiration is the process by which water vapor is released from the leaves of a plant into the atmosphere. This occurs primarily through small openings on the leaf surfaces known as stomata. Transpiration plays a crucial role in the water cycle and is vital for maintaining plant health as it helps to pull water and nutrients from the roots through the xylem to the leaves. Additionally, transpiration helps regulate plant temperature and contributes to the overall moisture content in the atmosphere.

While evaporation refers to the transformation of water from a liquid state to a gaseous state, it can occur from any surface, not just plant leaves. Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and turns back into liquid form, often leading to dew or precipitation. Percolation, on the other hand, refers to the movement of water through soil layers, which is a different process unrelated to the release of water vapor from leaves. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping the concepts related to water movement in the environment and within plants.