Question

In nature, termites are very beneficial insects because they return dead trees to the soil as nutrients.

1.True.
2.False.

Answer 1

Termites are beneficial in ecosystems by recycling dead trees into nutrients for the soil, thanks to their symbiotic relationship with gut archaea and protozoa that help them digest wood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question whether termites are beneficial because they return nutrients to the soil through the decomposition of dead trees is true. Termites are crucial to ecosystems as they help in nutrient cycling, which is vital for soil health and plant growth. They can digest wood thanks to a unique symbiotic relationship with microorganisms in their gut. Specifically, they harbor mutualistic archaea and protozoa that produce enzymes to break down cellulose and lignin found in wood. These microorganisms allow the termites to derive the necessary nutrients from wood, a resource that would otherwise not be available to them. This process not only sustains the termite colonies, but also contributes to the breakdown of dead trees, turning them into nutrient-rich soil which supports other life forms.