Water Cycle Practice Quiz: High School Biology Questions and Answers

📚 Topic Summary

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It's powered by solar energy and gravity. Water changes state among liquid, vapor, and ice at various stages. Key processes include evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for comprehending weather patterns, climate, and the availability of freshwater resources. Let's dive into a quick quiz to see how well you know it!

💧 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the following terms with their definitions:

1. Evaporation
2. Condensation
3. Precipitation
4. Transpiration
5. Runoff

Definitions:

1. ( ) Water that flows over the land surface.
2. ( ) The process where water vapor turns into liquid water.
3. ( ) Water released from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
4. ( ) The process where liquid water changes into water vapor.
5. ( ) The process where water is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere.

🌊 Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following paragraph using the words: groundwater, sun, clouds, gravity, surface water.

The water cycle is driven by the energy from the __________. Water evaporates and forms __________. Precipitation occurs, and water flows into __________ and __________. __________ pulls water downwards, replenishing underground aquifers.

🧠 Part C: Critical Thinking

Explain how deforestation can impact the water cycle in a region. Consider the processes of transpiration, runoff, and infiltration in your answer.