In leaf cutter ant colonies, the ants clip leaves to feed a fungus garden and then the ants feed on the fungus. Is this a mutualistic relationship? No, the ants are parasites on both the leaves and fungus. Yes, the ants and the trees are in a mutualistic relationship. Yes, the ants and the fungus are engaged in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. No, the ants are leaf parasites but have no relationship with the fungus.
