In a diagram of the global water cycle, which arrow typically represents the process of transpiration?

• A. The arrow showing evaporation of water from ocean surfaces
• B. The arrow showing water vapor moving from plant leaves to the atmosphere
• C. The arrow showing precipitation falling from clouds to the ground
• D. The arrow showing runoff from land into rivers and oceans

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of transpiration: Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, transported through the plant, and released as water vapor from the stomata in the leaves into the atmosphere.
2. Identify the key elements of the water cycle: The global water cycle includes processes such as evaporation, precipitation, runoff, and transpiration. Each process involves the movement of water in different forms (liquid, vapor, etc.) between reservoirs like oceans, land, and the atmosphere.
3. Focus on the role of plants in the water cycle: Transpiration specifically involves plants releasing water vapor into the atmosphere, which is distinct from evaporation (water vapor from surfaces like oceans) and runoff (movement of water across land into rivers and oceans).
4. Match the description of transpiration to the correct arrow: The arrow representing transpiration in a water cycle diagram would show water vapor moving from plant leaves to the atmosphere, as this is the direct result of the transpiration process.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: The arrow showing evaporation from ocean surfaces represents evaporation, not transpiration. The arrow showing precipitation represents water falling from clouds to the ground, and the arrow showing runoff represents water moving across land into rivers and oceans. None of these describe transpiration.