Final answer:
Termites digest cellulose in wood with the help of mutualistic microorganisms in their guts, not by feeding on vertebrates, showcasing a mutualistic relationship important for nutrient cycles in ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that termites primarily feed on vertebrates is false. Instead, termites are known for their ability to digest cellulose, the main constituent of wood. They manage this with the aid of mutualistic microorganisms inhabiting their guts. These microorganisms, specifically protozoa and archaea, produce enzymes that break down cellulose into soluble carbohydrates that termites can absorb and utilize for energy.
Termites play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers, especially in forest habitats, where they aid in the breakdown of wood, contributing to the nutrient cycles. They form a mutualistic relationship with the symbiotic protozoa in their guts, which allows both organisms to obtain energy from the cellulose the termite consumes. This intricate and efficient digestive process is an excellent example of mutualism in nature, enabling termites to thrive on a diet that most organisms cannot digest.