If transpiration is more rapid than absorption in a plant, what will the plant show signs of?

When transpiration, the process of water vapor loss from plant surfaces, occurs more quickly than the uptake of water by roots, the result is a water deficit within the plant. This lack of sufficient water affects the plant's turgor pressure, which is critical for maintaining structure and health. As the turgor pressure decreases, cells begin to lose firmness, leading to resulting wilting.

Wilting is a direct indicator that the plant is experiencing stress due to insufficient water. The leaves may droop or collapse, and overall plant vigor diminishes. This physiological response is a survival mechanism as the plant attempts to conserve water in response to the rapid loss caused by transpiration. The other options, while potentially related to water stress or plant health, do not directly result from the scenario of transpiration exceeding absorption. For example, leaf discoloration can occur, but it is not the immediate effect of the imbalance between transpiration and absorption. Thus, recognizing wilting as a direct outcome of rapid transpiration without corresponding water absorption is crucial in plant care and management.