UPSC Prelims 2022 Q90: Environment & Ecology – Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts
Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of
fungi?
- (a) Ant
- (b) Cockroach
- (c) Crab
- (d) Spider
Answer: (a) Ant
Explanation
Insects that farm fungi
Some ants grow fungus gardens as their main food, a practice called fungiculture.
| Organism | Fungus farming? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ant | Yes | Leafcutter ants (*Atta*, *Acromyrmex*) cut leaves to feed fungus gardens |
| Cockroach | No | Scavengers; close relatives (termites) farm fungi, but cockroaches do not |
| Crab | No | Scavengers and predators |
| Spider | No | Predators that catch prey in webs |
Other fungus farmers:
| Group | Example |
|---|---|
| Termites | *Macrotermes* grow *Termitomyces* fungus combs |
| Ambrosia beetles | Farm fungi inside wood tunnels |
Answer: (a) Ant.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Leafcutter ants grow fungus gardens on chopped leaves and eat the fungus.
- (b) Incorrect. Cockroaches are scavengers; it is their relatives the termites that farm fungi.
- (c) Incorrect. Crabs scavenge or hunt; they do not cultivate fungi.
- (d) Incorrect. Spiders are predators and do not farm anything.
Key point
Leafcutter ants (and some termites and ambrosia beetles) cultivate fungi as food: an example of mutualism.
Remember
Leafcutter ants grow fungus gardens.
Common mistakes
- Choosing cockroach because it is linked to decay and moulds.
- Not knowing that leafcutter ants do not eat leaves; they feed them to their fungus.
- Forgetting that termites are the other famous fungus farmers.
Exam tip
Animal 'farmers' to know: ants farm fungi and herd aphids; termites farm fungi.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Biology, Ch 13 (Organisms and Populations: mutualism)
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute — Leafcutter ant fungiculture