The ultimate cause for the movement of water against gravity in a tree is:
transpiration
Correct answer is option B.
Explanation for correct option:
Transpiration is a process of evaporation of water from leaves which creates a transpirational pull that helps water to move up through the roots of a plant against gravity.
Explanation for incorrect option:
Option A:
Osmosis is the movement of water or solvent particles from higher water potential to lower water potential through semi permeable membrane as it is helping in absorption of water from soil to root hairs but can not pull water against gravity.
Option C:
Imbibition is the absorption of one substance by another for example: the uptake of water by a plant or seed.
Option D:
Photosynthesis is a process of preparation of food in the green parts of the plant in the presence of sunlight. it is not pulling water up against gravity.
Final answer: The ultimate cause for the movement of water against gravity in a tree is transpiration.