_______ is the evaporative loss of water by plants, which mainly occurs through the stomata in the leaves.

Options

A. Transpiration
B. Guttation
C. Exudation
D. Bleeding

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a term that describes the process of water loss in plants, specifically in the form of vapor and primarily occurring through stomata in the leaves.

2. **Identifying Key Terms**: The key terms in the question are "evaporative loss of water," "plants," "stomata," and "leaves." These terms indicate that we are looking for a process related to water vapor loss in plants.

3. **Reviewing Possible Answers**: The potential options given are:
- Transpiration
- Guttation
- Exudation
- Bleeding

4. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Transpiration**: This is the process where water is lost from the plant in the form of vapor through the stomata. It is primarily responsible for the evaporative loss of water.
- **Guttation**: This refers to the loss of water in liquid form, not vapor, and occurs through specialized structures called hydathodes.
- **Exudation**: This is related to root pressure and involves the loss of water and solutes from the plant, not specifically through stomata.
- **Bleeding**: Similar to exudation, bleeding involves the loss of fluids from the plant, typically due to pressure, and does not refer to vapor loss.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct term that fits the description of evaporative loss of water by plants through stomata is **Transpiration**.

**Final Answer**: Transpiration

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