What is the process by which moisture is added to the atmosphere through plant life?

Transpiration is the process by which moisture is added to the atmosphere through plant life. During this process, plants absorb water from the soil and then release water vapor into the air through small openings in their leaves known as stomata. This water vapor enters the atmosphere and contributes to the overall humidity levels, playing a significant role in the water cycle.

In contrast, evaporation refers to the transformation of liquid water from surfaces like oceans, lakes, and rivers into vapor, which is not specific to plant processes. Condensation is the opposite of evaporation, where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds or dew. Precipitation involves the falling of water back to the earth in forms such as rain, snow, or sleet, which is a result of condensation processes. Thus, among the processes listed, only transpiration is directly related to how plants contribute moisture to the atmosphere.