Question

Termites feed on wood and increase the rate of its decomposition, what is this role of the termites in the ecosystem called ?

Answer 1

Termites are decomposers that break down wood, aided by mutualistic protozoa and archaea in their guts that produce enzymes to digest cellulose and lignin. This process helps recycle nutrients and supports ecological cycles, including wood and charcoal burning.

Step-by-step explanation:

Role of Termites in Ecosystems

Termites play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers. They speed up the process of wood decomposition by feeding on it, which in turn recycles nutrients back into the soil. Termites are able to digest wood thanks to the symbiotic microorganisms in their guts, particularly mutualistic protozoa and archaea which produce the enzymes necessary to break down cellulose and lignin in wood.

Termites and Wood Digestion

While termites eat wood, they lack the ability to produce the enzymes needed to break down its main components, lignin and cellulose. Instead, they rely on their symbiotic gut microorganisms. These microorganisms secrete the necessary enzymes, allowing termites to absorb the carbohydrates and obtain nutrients. This constitutes a mutualistic relationship, where the protozoa get a habitat and termites get the ability to digest wood.

In broader ecological terms, the presence of termites enhances soil quality and supports wood and charcoal burning cycles by preventing excessive accumulation of dead woody material.