Tropical leafcutter ants collect leaf cuttings which they transport to special underground chambers. There, they chew the leaves to create nursery beds on which they grow a species of fungus they use for food. When ant queens disperse to establish new colonies, they carry the fungus with them, dispersing it as well (this benefits the fungus). In the ants' nest, the fungus is at risk of being destroyed by another fungal species that is able to grow in the same habitat, using the same limited resources. On their bodies, the ants carry and provide a home for bacteria that produces antibiotics the ants use to kill this second fungus and thereby protect their food supply. In this system, the relationship between the leafcutter ants and their fungal food species is:

Question

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The leafcutter ants and their fungal food species have a mutualistic relationship where both species benefit from each other. The ants provide a protected environment for the fungus to grow and disperse, while the fungus provides a food source for the ants. Additionally, the ants' carry and provide a home for bacteria that produces antibiotics which protect the fungus, further reinforcing the mutualistic nature of this relationship.

Tropical Leafcutter Ants Collect Leaf Cuttings Which They Transport to Special