Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

What process describes the evaporation of water from the leaves of a plant?

1. Transpiration

2. Condensation

3. Photosynthesis

4. Germination

The correct answer is: Transpiration

Transpiration is the process that describes the evaporation of water from the leaves of a plant. Through transpiration, water is absorbed by the roots, moves through the plant, and eventually evaporates from small openings called stomata located on the leaves. This process not only helps in regulating the plant's temperature but also plays a crucial role in nutrient uptake and the movement of water within the plant. Understanding transpiration is essential as it highlights the relationship between water cycles and plant health, as well as its significance in ecosystems. In contrast, condensation refers to the process where water vapor turns into liquid, often forming clouds, and does not involve the movement of water within plants. Photosynthesis involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and though it occurs in the leaves, it is not directly related to water evaporation. Germination is the process by which seeds develop into new plants, which occurs at an entirely different stage in a plant's life cycle and does not involve the evaporation of water.