How Do Termites Ventilate Their Nests?

Wouter

Termites are cold-blooded insects that live in the ground. They use a process called convective ventilation to circulate air in and out of their mound. This allows them to stay warm while avoiding exposure to the elements. However, how they do this has been a mystery.

Until now, researchers have not been able to understand how termites keep their nests ventilated. They also have no idea how termites regulate their internal temperatures. But researchers at Harvard University have uncovered some answers.

Termites are able to survive freezing temperatures. However, they will die if the temperatures drop below 25degF. This is because termites need moisture to thrive. They can only survive if there is plenty of water to drink and eat.

Termite mounds are complex structures constructed out of soil. They are surrounded by tunnels and are about a foot or more deep. The walls of the mound are porous, so the air can rise through the tunnels. They are covered with soil particles to keep the nest moist.

To understand how termites regulate their environment, scientists installed air-flow sensors in two dozen termite mounds. They measured the CO2 and external winds that flowed through each. The researchers also measured the temperature in various parts of the mounds. The results showed that termites’ ventilation system is similar to that of other mounds.

The team also found that subterranean termites can detect changes in temperature by thermal shadows. They then move to a deeper location, where they can survive. The airflow in their tunnels reverses twice a day. The carbon dioxide-rich air is then expelled.

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