How Do Termites Make Their Mounds?
WouterTermites build their mounds in a way that makes them very stable. This allows them to regulate the temperature and humidity in their nest. They can open or close the mound’s entrances at different times depending on climatic conditions. They also control the air and water in the mound.
Termite mounds are made of biocement, which is a mix of saliva and soil. These are very hard to break and can withstand thousands of years. They are constructed in two layers. The outer wall is porous, while the core is dense. This allows for ventilation.
The heat produced by termites creates a pressure within the mound. This pushes air upwards to the porous surface. This air is then mixed with stagnant air in the nest. During the night, the air inside the mound is warmer than outside. During the day, the air is cooler.
Various animals use these mounds for food or as a lookout. Some animals even eat plants on them.
Researchers have studied these structures in detail. P Ferrar studied termites in South Africa. She noted that some colonies use the same building blocks to construct the mounds, but the morphology is different in different regions.
The construction of termite mounds has puzzled scientists for many years. However, Harvard researchers have devised a simple model for how termites make their mounds.
The process involves a series of tunnels, which break down into smaller ones. These tunnels lead to the thin outer wall of the mound. These tunnels also allow for the inflow of fresh air and the outflow of carbon dioxide and oxygen.
