Leafcutter ants (*Atta cephalotes*) do not eat the leaves they harvest. Instead, they transport the cut vegetation to subterranean nests, where they use it as a substrate to cultivate a specific species of fungus (*Leucoagaricus gongylophorus*). The ants feed exclusively on this cultivated fungus, which in turn relies on the fresh leaves brought by the ants for its growth. The relationship is mutually beneficial, as the fungus provides nutrition for the ants, and the ants provide a steady supply of nutrients and protect the fungus from harmful pathogens. According to the text, what do leafcutter ants use the harvested leaves for?
- ATo eat them directly as their primary source of food
- BTo construct protective barriers around their nests to ward off pathogens
- To serve as a medium to grow a specific type of fungus that they feed onCevap
- DTo feed other insects that live inside their subterranean nests
Cevap
To serve as a medium to grow a specific type of fungus that they feed on
The correct answer is supported by the passage, which states that the ants use the cut vegetation as a substrate to cultivate a specific species of fungus (*Leucoagaricus gongylophorus*) which they feed on.
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Identifying explicit details within a text
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