SSC MTS EXAM

Detailed explanation-1: -The mutualistic association between acacia plants and the ants that live on them is an excellent example: The plants provide food and accommodation in the form of food bodies and nectar as well as hollow thorns which can be used as nests. The ants return this favour by protecting the plants against herbivores.

Detailed explanation-2: -Ant-plants provide food and nesting space (domatia) for ants that protect them against herbivores. These mutualisms are often very specific and are usually considered as bipartite, or tripartite when ants use hemipterans as trophobionts.

Detailed explanation-3: -Bullhorn acacias provide nutrients and housing for ants in return for protection from herbivores thanks to a mutualistic relationship. In the lowlands of Mexico and Central America, the bullhorn acacia tree and a species of ant (Pseudomyrmex ferruginea) help each other to survive.