Raine, Willmer, and Stone demonstrated that protection and pollination mutualism do not come into conflict on the swollen thorn acacia, Acacia hindsii, because

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Raine, Willmer, and Stone's research showed that on the swollen thorn acacia, Acacia hindsii, there is no conflict between protection and pollination mutualism due to a combination of factors: spatial separation of inflorescences and resources used by guarding ants, the lack of nectar in A. hindsii inflorescences, and the presence of a chemical ant repellent in the inflorescences. These mechanisms collectively ensure that the ants can protect the plant without interfering with its pollination.

Raine, Willmer, and Stone Demonstrated That Protection and Pollination Mutualism