Leaf-cutter ants cultivate fungus. The ants keep conditions optimal for fungus growth and carry leaf fragments for the fungus to grow on. Then the ants feed on pieces of the fungus. Which kind of relationship exists between the fungus and the ants?(1 point)
Responses
parasite/host
parasite/host
predator/prey
predator/prey
symbiotic
symbiotic
consumer/producer
1 answer
The relationship between the leaf-cutter ants and the fungus is **symbiotic**. In this mutualistic symbiotic relationship, both the ants and the fungus benefit: the ants cultivate and provide leaf fragments for the fungus to grow, while the fungus serves as a food source for the ants.