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

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Q: 90 (IAS/2022)
Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi ?

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,130,58,130,23,24,11

keywords: 

{'fungi': [1, 1, 2, 3], 'organisms': [4, 1, 3, 2], 'certain species': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'cockroach': [2, 0, 0, 0], 'cultivators': [1, 0, 2, 4], 'spider': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'ant': [1, 0, 0, 0], 'crab': [1, 0, 0, 0]}
Ants are well known as cultivators of fungi. Some species of ants have evolved a symbiotic relationship with certain species of fungi, where the ants cultivate the fungus for food and in turn the fungus helps to decompose leaf litter and other organic matter in the ants' nest. This mutualistic relationship between ants and fungi is known as myrmecophagy. The leafcutter ant, for example, is a well-known cultivator of fungi in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Preparing for Future Exams: Learning from the Analysis of Past Questions

 

  1. Biology: This topic is relevant because the question pertains to certain species that cultivate fungi.

Sources:

  • NCERT Biology textbooks from Class 11 and 12

Concepts:

  • Symbiosis
  • Mutualism
  • Fungal Ecology
  • Insect-Fungus Interaction
  1. Ecology and Environment: This topic is relevant because it deals with the ecological relationships between organisms.

Sources:

  • "Environment and Ecology" by Majid Husain
  • "Environmental Studies: From Crisis to Cure" by R. Rajagopalan
  • "India Year Book" by the Government of India

Concepts:

  • Food Chains and Food Webs
  • Biodiversity
  • Ecosystem Services
  • Invasive Species
  1. Agriculture: This topic is relevant because certain species that cultivate fungi are important in agriculture.

Sources:

  • "Agriculture at a Crossroads: The Global Report" by the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development
  • NCERT textbooks from Class 9 and 10

Concepts:

  • Agricultural Practices
  • Crop Rotation
  • Soil Fertility
  • Integrated Pest Management

In terms of specific chapters in NCERT textbooks, you can refer to the following:

  • Class 11 Biology textbook, Chapter 13 - Photosynthesis in Higher Plants for topics related to food chains and food webs
  • Class 12 Biology textbook, Chapter 13 - Organisms and Populations for topics related to symbiosis and mutualism

It would also be useful to study the various types of symbiotic relationships between organisms, such as mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism, and how they influence ecological interactions. Additionally, understanding the role of fungi in agriculture and their interactions with other organisms can be crucial. You can refer to websites like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for more information.