Question
Q90) Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?
- Ant
- Cockroach
- Crab
- Spider
Answer: 3
Detailed Explanation
- The ant–fungus mutualism is a symbiosis seen between certain ant and fungal species, in which ants actively cultivate fungus much like humans farm crops as a food source.
- Leafcutter ants use leaves as their fertilizer to grow their crop: fungus.
- They cultivate their fungal gardens by providing them with freshly cut leaves, protecting them from pests and molds, and clearing them of decayed material and garbage.
- In return, the fungus acts as a food source for the ants’ larvae.
