Aphids produce a sugary substance that ants love. Ants protect the aphids from predators and parasites. Is this an example of commensalism, mutualism, parasitism, or predation

Answer 1

This is an example of mutualism. In mutualism, both species involved benefit from the interaction. In this case, aphids provide ants with a sugary substance called honeydew, which serves as a food source. In return, ants protect the aphids from predators and parasites. Both species gain an advantage from this relationship.