Relationships Among Organisms Quick Check

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Question
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

symbiotic
symbiotic

predator/prey
predator/prey

consumer/producer
consumer/producer
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1 answer

The relationship between the leaf-cutter ants and the fungus is best described as symbiotic. In this mutualistic relationship, both the ants and the fungus benefit: the ants provide ideal conditions for the fungus to grow and feed on it, while the fungus gets a means of propagation and nutrients from the leaf fragments carried by the ants.