How Are Termites Important to the Ecosystem?
WouterTermites are detritivores, decomposers, and soil ecosystem engineers. They process organic residues on the ground, such as wood and dried grass. They also recycle nutrients from herbivore dung. They can also reduce the amount of nutrients lost by fire.
In addition, they influence the decomposition arm of the carbon cycle. They create pools of carbon in the soil that help promote fertility. They also improve water infiltration rates. In drylands, large mounds of dirt act as nutrient hotspots, storing moisture and nourishing the soil. These aboveground constructions also provide refuges for plants, and increase the resilience of dryland ecosystems to climate change.
Termites have a caste system that includes primary reproductives, secondary reproductives, and workers. These groups follow a strict labor division.
Generally, the king and queen of a colony stick around after their nuptial flight. The king helps fertilize the queen’s eggs, and he also feeds the young predigested food. The queen, on the other hand, breaks her wings to set up a new nest. These workers care for the young and build the colony.
Termites have many modes of feeding, including breaking down wood, eating lichen, and digesting dried grass. They can also feed on fungus growing on decaying plant material. Their guts are filled with microorganisms that can break down cellulose. They can also feed on the humus of the soil.
Termites have been widely studied and have been found to have a positive impact on the ecosystem. They recycle nutrients, perform litter degradation, and provide essential substances to improve the soil quality in forests. They have been called “irreplaceable” players in the ecosystem. They are also important drivers of heterogeneity.
