1. A fungus garden is a specialized structure created by certain species of ants, termites, and beetles to cultivate and feed on fungi.
2. The mutualistic relationship involved in this interspecific interaction is called mutualism, specifically symbiosis mutualism or myrmecophyte mutualism.
3. The life cycle of the ambrosia beetle contributes to this mutualistic relationship. Ambrosia beetles are known for their symbiotic association with fungi. Female beetles tunnel into trees and create galleries where they lay their eggs. As they burrow, they introduce symbiotic fungi into the galleries. The adult beetles feed on the cultivated fungi, and the larvae also rely on the fungi as their primary food source. The fungi benefit from the beetles' activities by obtaining nutrients from the tree and being dispersed to new locations.
4. The beetles benefit from the fungi as the food source for their larvae, and the fungi benefit from the beetles' activities, which provide them with a nutrient-rich environment and opportunities for dispersal.
5. This mutualistic relationship allows both the ambrosia beetle and the fungi to survive and reproduce more effectively, which is advantageous for both species.
What is a fungus garden (5 points)?
What kind of mutualistic relationship is involved in this interspecific interaction (10 points)
Explain your answer with the life cycle of the ambrosia beetle (10 points)
1 answer