What is the term for water vapor released by plants and trees?

The term for water vapor released by plants and trees is transpiration. This process involves the movement of water from the soil into the plant roots, through the stems, and ultimately out into the atmosphere as vapor through small pores on the leaves known as stomata. Transpiration is a crucial part of the water cycle and plays a significant role in regulating temperature and humidity in the environment.

The other options relate to different processes in the water cycle. Evaporation refers to the process of water turning from liquid to vapor, typically from bodies of water like lakes or rivers. Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid, forming clouds or dew. Precipitation is the term for any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. Understanding these distinctions is essential in studying hydrology and environmental science.