UPSC Prelims 2022·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AAntCorrect
  2. BCockroach
  3. CCrab
  4. DSpider

Explanation

Certain species of ants, particularly leaf-cutter ants (e.g., in the tribe Attini), are famously known as 'cultivators of fungi'. These ants harvest plant material (leaves, grass, etc.) and bring it back to their nests, where they use it as a substrate to grow specific species of fungi. The ants then feed exclusively on these fungi, which break down the plant material into digestible nutrients. This symbiotic relationship, where ants actively cultivate and manage fungal gardens, is a remarkable example of co-evolution. None of the other options (Cockroach, Crab, Spider) are known for this specific behavior.
geography: Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.