Question

In temperate ecosystems, sunflowers are in the process of evolving a protection mutualism with ants similar to the tropical ant-acacia mutualism we discussed in lecture. Which of the following statements best describes unsuccessful mutualist sunflowers within the sunflower population that is evolving the protection mutualism with ants? The ants attack herbivores that try to eat the sunflower's leaves the sunflower has chemicals in its nectar and pollen that repel the ants. The ant species attacks and eats pollinators that visit the sunflower reducing pollination success and seed set for the sunflowers. The sunflower has special structures away from its flowers that provide ants with nectar; while feeding on nectar, ants also attack herbivores that try to eat the sunflower's leaves. Sunflowers allow ants to build nests in their leaves the ants do not defend sunflowers from herbivores.

Answer 1

The aspen sunflower and a few species of ants share a mutualistic relationship where both are benefitted. The ants receive nectar at extra floral nectaries and the sunflower receives protection from predators.This relationship is obligate mutualistic to the shrub and the ant.

3 rd option is right