Question

The acacia tree provides a habitat and protection for ants. This is considered its _____. ecological niche biome ecosystem biotic factor

Answer 1

An ecological niche is formed due to the symbiotic mutualistic relationship between the acacia tree and ants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acacia (Bullhorn acacia) tree provides habitat and food for ants (Pseudomyrmex ants) and the ants protect the acacia tree from herbivores.

When there is any attack from an herbivore, the ants residing in the nests inside acacia thorns, throng in large numbers and release pheromone to curb the attack by the herbivores like caterpillars, insects, deer etc by their sharp sting.

Further, the ants also clear the space around the roots to increase the availability and absorption of nutrients from the soil.

The acacia tree on its part provides the ants with shelter to live in their hollow swollen thorns. The tree provides two main nutrients – protein from Beltian bodies of leaf tips and carbohydrate in the form of nectar from leaf stalk glands .

Answer 2

The acacia tree provides a habitat and protection for ants. This is considered its ecological niche.

Step-by-step explanation:

In science, a niche can be described as the role that a particular organism plays in an ecosystem. It describes what features in an organism makes it adaptable to a habitat while others organisms may not be able to survive in that habitat. For example, the acacia tree in the above-mentioned question provides a living place for ants and protects it from predators and other environmental hazards. Hence, these functions make the acacia tree a niche in that particular ecosystem.