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

Explanation : 

Attine Ants and Their Fungiculture Practices

Certain species of ants, particularly those in the tribe Attini, are well known for their remarkable ability to cultivate fungi. These ants engage in a mutualistic relationship with the fungi, which is often referred to as “fungiculture.”

Mutualistic Relationship Between Ants and Fungi

The attine ants, which include the leafcutter ants (genus Atta) and other related genera, actively collect plant material, such as leaves, flowers, and twigs, and bring these back to their nests. They then use this plant material to create a substrate on which they cultivate fungal gardens. The fungi break down the plant material, making the nutrients more accessible to the ants. In return, the ants provide the fungi with a stable environment, protection from pests and competitors, and a constant supply of growth substrate.

Advanced Agriculture and Symbiosis in Nature

This mutualistic relationship is quite sophisticated. The ants have evolved special behaviors and structures to manage their fungal gardens, including the use of antibiotics to control bacterial growth and the removal of unwanted fungi species. The fungi also evolve in concert with the ants, often becoming so specialized that they cannot survive outside of the ant-fungus mutualism.

The cultivation of fungi by these ants is a clear example of an advanced form of animal agriculture and is one of the most complex examples of symbiosis in nature. It is a fascinating demonstration of how two different species can evolve together to form a highly interdependent and efficient system.