🔬 Science & TechnologyUPSC 2022Space & Space Technology

Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?

aAnt
bCockroach
cCrab
dSpider
✓ Correct answer: a) Ant
ExplanationSome species of ants such as leafcutter ants ( of genus Atta and Acromyrmex) are well-known for cultivating fungi.These ants cut leaves and use them to grow fungi in specialized underground gardens.The fungi serve as the primary food source for the ant colony.This relationship between ants and fungi is a classic example of mutualism where both species benefit.The ants provide the fungi with a controlled environment and a constant supply of plant material while the fungi provide the ants with a nutritious food source.Leafcutter ants are primarily found in Central and South America, 407

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