Ants from the genus pseudomyrmex live in bull's horn acacia trees, acacia cornigera. the ants will attack any predators of the tree. in return, the ants live protected in the thorns of the tree and eat the nectar and protein-rich secretions of the tree. what term describes this relationship?

Question

Biology

Dayanara

19 April, 07:47

Ants from the genus pseudomyrmex live in bull's horn acacia trees, acacia cornigera. the ants will attack any predators of the tree. in return, the ants live protected in the thorns of the tree and eat the nectar and protein-rich secretions of the tree. what term describes this relationship?

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Vanessa Best · Answer 1

The relationship between the ants and the tree is symbiotic, since both parties provide clear benefits to each other. The tree benefits by having the ants attack its predators, and the ants benefit from the natural defenses of the tree (such as thorns) as well as being able to eat the nectar and secretions of the tree.