The relationship between leaf-cutter ants and the fungus they cultivate is a mutualistic symbiosis. In this type of relationship, both species benefit from each other. The ants provide the fungus with leaf fragments to grow on and maintain the optimal conditions for its growth, while the fungus serves as a food source for the ants. This mutualism is a classic example of how two different species can work together for their mutual benefit.
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?
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