In exchange for food and housing, the ants in the ant-Acacia symbiotic association
A) act as herbivores on the Acacia.
B) neither benefit nor harm the Acacia.
C) attack herbivores that attempt to eat Acacia leaves.
D) kill plants that attempt to compete with the Acacia for water and nutrients.
E) both attack herbivores and kill competing plants.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the ant-Acacia symbiotic relationship, ants provide protection to the Acacia by both attacking herbivores that threaten the plant and eliminating competing plants that could deprive the Acacia of necessary resources like water and nutrients. This mutualistic interaction benefits both parties, with the ants receiving food and housing from the Acacia.

In Exchange for Food and Housing, the Ants in the Ant-Acacia