[Campbell Biology P.717] What primary benefit do leaf-cutter ants derive from their symbioti... | Practice Question

What primary benefit do leaf-cutter ants derive from their symbiotic relationship with fungi, according to the text?

  • A: Fungi provide physical protection from predators.
  • B: Fungi break down plant material into digestible substances and detoxify defensive compounds.
  • C: Fungi build the nests for the ants.
  • D: Fungi gather leaves from the forest for the ants.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that fungi convert plant material into a digestible form for the ants and also detoxify plant defensive compounds that would otherwise harm the ants.