In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process that circulates water throughout the Earth's systems. It involves the movement of water between the (1) ______ the water bodies and the land. The cycle consists of several key stages, each playing a crucial role in maintaining Earth's water balance.
At the heart of the water cycle is the process of (2) ______. This is where water from oceans, lakes and rivers is heated by the sun and turns into water vapour. This water vapour then rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses to form clouds. When these clouds become heavy enough, they release their moisture through (3) ______ which can fall as rain or other forms of precipitation.
When precipitation falls onto the land, it can take different paths. Some of it may evaporate back into the air, while some may be taken up by plants and released back into the atmosphere through a process called (4) ______. The rest of the water may flow over the land's surface, gathering in streams and rivers that eventually lead back to the oceans, completing the cycle.
The water cycle is essential for maintaining Earth's ecosystems and supporting life. It helps distribute fresh water to various regions, replenishes water sources, and plays a role in regulating (5) ______ temperatures. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for addressing water scarcity and managing natural resources effectively.
Understanding the Water Cycle and Blank 4
The passage describes the water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle. This is the continuous journey water takes as it circulates through Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. The passage breaks down this complex process into several key stages.
Analyzing the Role of Blank 4
The question asks us to identify the correct term for blank number 4 in the passage. The relevant sentence is: "Some of it [precipitation on land] may evaporate back into the air, while some may be taken up by plants and released back into the atmosphere through a process called (4) ______." This sentence specifically describes what happens to water after it falls on land, focusing on the role of plants.
Identifying the Process: Transpiration
The process described – water being absorbed by plants and then released into the atmosphere as vapor – is called transpiration. This is a vital part of the water cycle where plants act like conduits, drawing water from the soil through their roots and releasing it from tiny pores, called stomata, on their leaves.
Evaluating the Options for Blank 4
Let's look at the given options:
- 1. Condensation: Condensation is the stage where water vapor in the atmosphere cools down and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds. This is not related to plants releasing water.
- 2. Transpiration: This term perfectly matches the description of water being taken up by plants and released into the atmosphere.
- 3. Evaporation: Evaporation is the process where liquid water turns into water vapor, primarily from surfaces like oceans, lakes, rivers, and soil. While plants do lose water vapor, the specific term for release *through plants* is transpiration. The passage distinguishes between general evaporation and this plant-specific process.
- 4. Precipitation: Precipitation is water falling from clouds to the Earth's surface (e.g., rain, snow). This is the input of water to the land, not the output from plants.
Conclusion for Blank 4
Based on the definition and its role in the water cycle, transpiration is the correct term to fill in blank number 4. It represents the significant contribution of plants to the atmospheric water vapor content.
Similar Questions
- Choose the word from the given options which fits in the blank labelled 1 and gives correct meaning
- Choose the word from the given options which fits in the blank labelled 2 and gives correct meaning.
- Choose the word from the given options which fits in the blank labelled 3 and gives correct meaning
- Choose the word from the given options which fits in the blank labelled 4 and gives correct meaning
- Identify the phrasal verb which fits in the blank labelled as 5 and gives correct meaning.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
