ants and aphids often live near each other. the ants feed on the wastes produced by the aphids, and the aphids are protected from predators by the presence of the ants. what type of relationship is this? a. detrivism b. commensalism c. mutualism d. parasitism
The answer is c. mutualism.
Mutualism is a relationship between two
different species in which both species have benefits. In this example, ants benefit because they feed on aphids' wastes while aphids benefit because ants provide them protection.
Commensalism is a relationship between two
species in which only one of them has benefit, and the other one is not
affected. Parasitism is a relationship between two species in which only
one of them has benefit, and the other one is harmed.