[Campbell Biology P.717] The text states, 'The fungi have become so dependent on their caret... | Practice Question

The text states, 'The fungi have become so dependent on their caretakers that in many cases they can no longer survive without the ants, and vice versa.' What does this statement imply about the nature of their mutualistic relationship?

  • A: The relationship is optional and can be easily terminated by either partner without significant consequences.
  • B: Both the fungi and the ants have evolved a critical interdependence, making their survival highly reliant on each other.
  • C: Only the fungi are dependent on the ants for survival, while the ants can find alternative food sources.
  • D: The dependence has only recently developed and is not yet firmly established.

Explanation

The statement highlights the high degree of co-evolution and mutual dependence between the fungi and ants, where neither can survive without the other. This indicates an obligate mutualistic relationship that has developed over a very long period 50 million years .