Ants Are Often Associated with Aphids, Small Insects That Feed

question 54

Multiple Choice

Ants are often associated with aphids, small insects that feed on plants. The ants obtain nutritious honeydew from the aphids, and in return the ants protect the aphids from predatory insects. If the mutualism between aphids and ants broke down such that the ants no longer protected the aphids,

• A) aphids would produce more honeydew.
• B) aphids would have higher fitness.
• C) plants would be damaged more by the aphids.
• D) plants would be damaged less by the aphids.

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Definitions:

Profit-Maximizing Output

The level of production at which a firm achieves the highest possible profit, determined by where marginal cost equals marginal revenue.

Revenue

The total income generated by a business from its normal business activities, such as sales of goods or services, before any expenses are deducted.

Cost

The value of everything that is consumed to produce a good or service, including materials, labor, and other expenses.

Competitive Firm

A business that operates in a market where it must compete with other firms for the same customers or resources.