231k views
3 votes
Acacia plants often have ants of the genus Pseudomymex associated with them. What benefit do the ants provide for the acacias?

1) They limit herbivory by attacking potential herbivores.
2) They limit competition by removing other plants.
3) They provide a source of protein for the acacias.
4) Both a and b

User Stateful
by
8.0k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The ants of the genus Pseudomyrmex provide benefits to Acacia plants by limiting herbivory and competition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ants of the genus Pseudomyrmex provide several benefits to Acacia plants. First, they limit herbivory by attacking potential herbivores such as leaf-eaters and insects that lay eggs on the plants.

This defense mechanism helps protect the acacia plants from damage. Second, the ants also help limit competition by removing other plants that might compete with the acacias for resources. Both of these benefits contribute to the survival and success of the Acacia plants.

User Igor Rjabinin
by
7.7k points