Question

Ambrosia bark beetles carry Ambrosiella fungal spores to trees, then bore holes and lay their eggs with the fungus. When the new larvae hatch, they eat the fungus that has germinated in the holes. Describe how this relationship can be classified as mutualistic.

a) The fungus benefits from the beetles' presence and the beetles benefit from the fungus as a food source.
b) The fungus benefits from the beetles' predation and the beetles benefit from the fungus' waste.
c) The beetles benefit from the fungus' presence and the fungus benefits from the beetles as pollinators

Answer 1

The mutualistic relationship between Ambrosia bark beetles and Ambrosiella fungus benefits both species; the beetles disperse the fungus and provide it with habitat, while the fungus serves as food for beetle larvae.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between Ambrosia bark beetles and Ambrosiella fungus is mutualistic because it provides benefits to both organisms involved. When Ambrosia bark beetles carry the fungal spores of Ambrosiella to trees, they ensure the propagation of the fungus by creating a suitable environment for its growth, which is inside the boreholes created by the beetles. The germinated fungus then becomes a source of food for the hatching larvae of the beetles, thus providing them with necessary nutrients. This mutual dependency allows for the fungi to be dispersed and colonize new areas while offering the beetles a reliable food source.

Option (a) describes this relationship accurately: The fungus benefits from the beetles' activities, as they transport it to new locations and provide a habitat for its growth, and the beetles benefit from the fungus by using it as a food source for their larvae. Both members of this symbiotic relationship gain advantages that increase their chances of survival and reproduction.