Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The movement of water through the biosphere is a critical component of the hydrological cycle. In plants, the primary mechanism for water loss to the atmosphere is transpiration, which involves the evaporation of water from aerial parts, primarily leaves.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Plants release water into the air through the process of transpiration, not condensation. Transpiration involves the evaporation of water from the stomata of leaves. Condensation is the reverse process, where water vapour turns into liquid water (e.g., formation of clouds or dew).
- Statement 2 is Correct. Plants absorb a vast amount of water from the soil, but only a small fraction (often less than 1%) is utilized for metabolic processes like photosynthesis. The remaining water is released into the atmosphere. For instance, a mature tree can lose hundreds of litres of water in a single day.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Transpiration is a significant contributor to atmospheric moisture. It plays a vital role in the water cycle by returning groundwater to the atmosphere as vapour, which eventually condenses to form clouds and precipitation.
Key Takeaway
Transpiration is the evaporative loss of water from plants that significantly contributes to atmospheric humidity and the global water cycle, whereas condensation is the conversion of vapour back into liquid.