SCIENCE: RELATIONSHIP AMONG ORGANISMS.
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. CONSUME/PRODUCER
2. PARASITE/HOST
3. SYMBIOTIC
4. PREDATOR/PREY
3. SYMBIOTIC
In this relationship, both the leaf-cutter ants and the fungus benefit from each other. The ants provide the optimal conditions for the fungus to grow and the fungus provides food for the ants.