Leafcutter ants cut large amounts of leaf material and carry it back to their nests, where they use it in "fungal gardens" to feed and grow a fungus.The fungus depends on the ants for its food and is also the primary food for the ants, themselves.This interaction between ants and fungi is best described as
A) obligate mutualism.
B) obligate parasitism.
C) obligate commensalism.
D) facultative mutualism.
E) facultative commensalism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The interaction between leafcutter ants and their fungal gardens is a type of obligate mutualism because both organisms depend on each other for survival. The ants not only rely on the fungus as their primary food source, but they also cultivate the fungus in their nests to ensure its growth. Similarly, the fungus relies on the ants to provide it with necessary nutrients and to protect it from harmful organisms.

Leafcutter Ants Cut Large Amounts of Leaf Material and Carry