Unit 1.2-1.4 biology vocab

09/06/2025

Transpiration

The process where plants lose water through tiny holes in their leaves called stomata. This water then turns into vapor and goes into the air.

Evaporation

When liquid water changes into water vapor(gas), usually because of heat from the sun.

Infiltration/Percolation

When water on the ground soaks into the soil and moves underground.

Condensation

The process where water vapor (gas) cools down and changes back into liquid, often forming clouds.

Precipitation

Water that falls from the sky in different forms like rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Respiration

A process in living things where sugar is broken down with oxygen to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water.

Photosynthesis

The process plants use to make their own food by using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create sugar and oxygen.

Deposition

When particles carried by wind, water, or ice are dropped or settle in a new place

Assimilation

When plants or animals take in and use nutrients to grow and build their bodies

Sedimentation

The process where small pieces of rock, soil, or other materials build up in layers, often at the bottom of rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Combustion

The process of burning something, usually releasing heat, light, and gases like carbon dioxide.

Nitrogen Fixation

A process where certain bacteria or lightning change nitrogen gas from the air into forms that plants can use

Eutrophication

When too many nutrients (like from fertilizers) get into lakes or rivers, causing lots of algae to grow, which can harm other life in the water.