competition mutualism parasitism predation
I gave my students this multiple choice question: In Costa Rica a small tree, the acacia, provides shelter and food for ants. The ants protect the acacia by removing other insects and vines that might harm it. Which term best describes the relationship between the acacia and the ants?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- competition
- mutualism
- parasitism
- predation

Could you tell me which one is correct?

mutualism