Ants Are Often Observed with Aphids, Small Insects That Feed

Multiple Choice

Ants are often observed with aphids, small insects that feed on plants. The ants obtain nutritious nectar from the aphids. A biologist wants to test whether ants and aphids are mutualists. She removes ants from groups of aphids and compares them to controls. Which of the following outcomes is consistent with a mutualistic relationship between ants and aphids?

A) Aphids consume more of the plant.
B) Plants with aphids produce fewer seeds.
C) More aphids are eaten by herbivores.
D) Fewer aphids are eaten by herbivores.