Theory question 102
Behaviour(a)(i) Give two reasons why termites are described as social insects (ii) Name four castes found in the termite nest, stating one role of each caste
(b) Describe five behavioural adaptations of termites which enable them to survive in their environment.
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(a)(i) Any two: they live together in large organised colonies; division of labour among castes; individuals are structurally different according to duty; they cooperate and communicate (e.g. by chemicals/pheromones)
(ii) Queen – lays eggs; King – fertilises the queen; Workers – build and repair the nest, collect food, feed others, care for eggs and young; Soldiers – defend the colony; (winged reproductives – leave to start new colonies)
(b) Any five: build mounds/nests with ventilation to control temperature and humidity; avoid light, move in covered tunnels; soldiers defend with large jaws or chemical secretions; workers feed other castes (trophallaxis); cultivate fungus gardens for food; swarming/nuptial flight to form new colonies; eat dead members and cast skins to keep the nest clean; queen lays very many eggs
Give one specific role for each caste you name.