Which of the following events is an example of how the water cycle includes interactions with the biosphere?

• A. Condensation of water vapor to form clouds
• B. Infiltration of rainwater into the soil
• C. Transpiration of water from plant leaves into the atmosphere
• D. Evaporation of water from the surface of a lake

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It involves processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and transpiration.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the biosphere refers to all living organisms on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Interactions with the biosphere occur when living organisms play a role in the water cycle.
3. Step 3: Analyze each option provided in the problem: Condensation of water vapor to form clouds is a physical process in the atmosphere and does not directly involve living organisms. Infiltration of rainwater into the soil is a hydrological process and does not directly involve the biosphere.
4. Step 4: Focus on the option 'Transpiration of water from plant leaves into the atmosphere.' Transpiration is a biological process where plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through small openings in their leaves called stomata. This is a direct interaction between the water cycle and the biosphere.
5. Step 5: Compare this with the option 'Evaporation of water from the surface of a lake,' which is a physical process and does not involve living organisms. Conclude that transpiration is the correct example of how the water cycle interacts with the biosphere.