Question

symbiosis
the effects of mutualism
how does mutualism affect both organisms
and their behavior?

in some cases, mutualistic interactions are
so important for survival that both
organisms adapt traits or behaviors to best
utilize their relationship. one such example
exists between the acacia tree and the
bullhorn acacia ant. the ant protects the
acacia tree from predatory bugs while the
tree provides food and shelter that the ant
desperately needs. to do this, the acacia tree
has, over time, adopted hollow thorns to
house the ants. the ants have adopted a
more territorial and aggressive behavior
towards tree’s predators (such as small
bugs).

which expresses an effect of the
close relationship between the
ant and the acacia tree?
the relationship only causes the ant to
adapt a new behavior.
the relationship causes only the tree to
adopt a new trait.
the relationship causes the ant to adapt a
new trait.
the relationship causes the tree to adapt a
new behavior.
the relationship causes the ant to develop
a new behavior and the tree to develop new
traits.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option by referring to the text:

• The first option is wrong because the tree also adapts (hollow thorns), not just the ant.
• The second option is wrong as the ant also adapts (territorial behavior), not just the tree.
• The third option is wrong because the ant adapts a behavior (territorial/aggressive), not a trait.
• The fourth option is wrong as the tree adapts a trait (hollow thorns), not a behavior.
• The fifth option is correct: the ant develops a new behavior (territorial/aggressive) and the tree develops a new trait (hollow thorns) due to their mutualistic relationship.

Answer:

The relationship causes the ant to develop a new behavior and the tree to develop new traits.