How Do Termites Get Nutrients?
WouterTermites get nutrients by eating wood. Their gut contains bacteria and fungi that produce an enzyme to break down cellulose. The microbes are able to digest cellulose and then turn it into sugar. Then, the workers pass this sugar substance through the mouth-to-mouth feeding process.
Various species of termites eat different kinds of wood. Some prefer dead wood, while others prefer wood that’s already broken down by fungi. Some species also feed on living trees. The amount of nutrients available in cellulose is sufficient to sustain the termites.
The cellulose found in wood is not very easy to digest. It is an insoluble substance made up of sugar molecules. The symbiotic bacteria and fungi in the termite’s gut break down the tough plant fibers and turn them into a wholesome meal.
Some species of termites also eat cardboard, plastic, books, pictures, and even money. These insects are considered to be beneficial in the wild, but they can also be harmful to homes and plants. Termites are used as food in 29 countries around the world. They also play an important role in the formation of soils in tropical forests and tropical regions.
Termites have a unique body system that supports a diet that’s uncommon in other animals. In addition, termites are considered to have the potential to be a source of alternative proteins. They could even be a source of new medicines.
In addition to the benefits it has in the wild, dried termites can be a source of food security in several countries. Dried termites contain essential nutrients.
