The leaf-cutter ants of Central America use leaves as food to cultivate the basidiomycete Lepiota in special underground chambers.Streptomyces bacteria coat parts of the ants' cuticles and secrete a potent antibiotic that kills an ascomycete that attacks the cultivated fungus.The relationship between the ants and Lepiota is which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relationship between the leaf-cutter ants and Lepiota is mutualism. The ants cultivate the fungus as a food source and the fungus provides the ants with nutrients. Additionally, the Streptomyces bacteria on the ants' cuticles provide protection for the fungus, further supporting a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Leaf-Cutter Ants of Central America Use Leaves as Food