The association between ants and members of family rubiaceae is

Options

A. ornithophily
B. entomophily
C. myrmecophily
D. epiphyte

Answer

To answer the question regarding the association between ants and members of the family Rubiaceae, we can break down the solution into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Association**: The question asks about the type of association between ants and plants in the Rubiaceae family. We need to identify the nature of this relationship.

2. **Identifying the Type of Interaction**: There are various types of interactions in ecology, such as mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. In this case, we are particularly interested in mutualism, where both species benefit from the interaction.

3. **Recognizing Myrmecophily**: The specific term that describes the association between ants and certain plants is "myrmecophily." This term refers to the relationship where ants live in or on plants and provide benefits to the plants, such as protection from herbivores.

4. **Examples of Myrmecophily**: In the context of the Rubiaceae family, some plants have evolved to attract ants, which in turn protect them from herbivores or help in pollination. This is a clear example of mutualism.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the association between ants and members of the Rubiaceae family can be classified as myrmecophily, where the ants and the plants both gain benefits from their relationship.

### Final Answer:
The association between ants and members of the family Rubiaceae is an example of myrmecophily, where both the ants and the plants benefit from their interaction.

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