What process involves the breakdown and removal of rock, sand, and soil?

Erosion is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the process of wearing away and transporting surface materials such as rocks, sand, and soil, primarily due to natural forces like water, wind, and ice. This process is critical in reshaping landscapes, creating various geological features, and influencing soil health over time.

When considering the other processes, deposition involves the accumulation of sediments that have been transported by erosional forces, which is a different phase of the sedimentary cycle. Transpiration refers to the movement of water vapor from plants to the atmosphere, while condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes into liquid water, typically forming clouds. Erosion distinctly highlights the movement and breakdown of surface materials, distinguishing it from these other processes.