Final answer:
Ants in certain tropical and sub-tropical regions engage in a symbiotic relationship by farming fungi. They cultivate the fungi on a compost of plant material and feces, which they then harvest for food.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ants and Their Fungal Gardens
Ants in tropical and sub-tropical regions on the American continent practice a form of agriculture by gathering dead bits of plant material, such as leaves or flowers, and using them to cultivate fungi. They meticulously prepare an underground garden where they deposit the plant material mixed with saliva and feces to create a fertile compost. On this compost, they place pieces of mycelium from a specific type of fungus, which feeds on the cellulose and grows into a substantial food source for the ants. The ants then harvest the nodular proliferations produced by the fungus as their nourishment, engaging in a mutualistic relationship where both fungi and ants benefit.
Communication through pheromones is paramount in ant colonies, allowing them to work cooperatively and efficiently maintain their fungal gardens. When ants abandon a site, it may be due to depletion of resources, disease, or environmental changes that make the location unsuitable for their activities. Without the ants, the fungal crop would likely perish as it relies on the ants for the continuation of the growing cycle and protection from competing fungi and pests.