Ant-acacia trees provide several services to their mutualistic ant partners. These include
A) enlarged thorns to host ant colonies.
B) nectar from foliar nectaries.
C) nectar from floral nectaries.
D) All of the choices are correct.
E) Both enlarged thorns to host ant colonies and nectar from foliar nectaries.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ant-acacia trees provide both enlarged thorns to host ant colonies and nectar from foliar nectaries to their mutualistic ant partners. The enlarged thorns serve as specialized structures called domatia, which provide a sheltered and protected space for ant colonies to live in. The nectar from foliar nectaries is a source of food for the ants, which help to protect the tree from herbivores and other potential threats. Therefore, both of these services are important for the mutually beneficial relationship between ant-acacia trees and their ant partners.

Ant-Acacia Trees Provide Several Services to Their Mutualistic Ant Partners