Question

directions: ants and aphids are often found living together in the ecosystem. aphids secrete a sweet honeydew eaten by the ants as food. ants protect the aphids from predators.
the data tables below show the population growth of ant and aphid populations living separately and together. create double line graphs for each population, then answer the analysis question that follow.

1. what type of symbiotic relationship do the ant and aphid have? how do you know?
2. what does the ant get from the aphid?
3. what does the aphid get from the ant?
4. what would happen to the ant population if the aphid population decreased?
5. what would happen to the aphid population if the ant population increased?

population growth of ants & aphids living separately
month ant aphid
1 120 100
2 140 110
3 160 130
4 180 150
5 200 170
population growth of ants & aphids living together
month ant aphid
1 180 100
2 210 160
3 300 210
4 350 260
5 400 330

Explanation:

1. The ants and aphids have a mutualistic relationship. Ants get food (honeydew) from aphids and in return, ants protect aphids from predators.
2. Ants get a sweet - honeydew as food from the aphids.
3. Aphids get protection from predators from the ants.
4. If the aphid population decreased, the ant population might decrease as they lose a food source.
5. If the ant population increased, the aphid population might increase due to better protection from predators.

Answer:

1. Mutualistic relationship. Ants get food, aphids get protection.
2. Sweet honeydew as food.
3. Protection from predators.
4. Ant population might decrease.
5. Aphid population might increase.