Question
Acacia ants live near or on acacia trees. The ants harvest and feed on the orange tips of the leaves, and they find shelter among the roots. The ants also protect the tree from leaf-eating animals, like giraffes. Giraffes do not like the taste of the ants!
4. What is the relationship between the ants and the tree?
A. parasite/host
B. predator/prey
C. mutualism
D. commensalism
4. What is the relationship between the ants and the tree?
A. parasite/host
B. predator/prey
C. mutualism
D. commensalism
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The relationship between the ants and the tree is best described as **C. mutualism**. In mutualism, both species benefit from the interaction—in this case, the ants receive food and shelter from the tree, while the tree gains protection from herbivores like giraffes thanks to the ants.