(a) (i) Give two reasons why termites are described as social insects. (ii) Name four castes found in the termite nest, stating one of each castes. (b) Describe five behavioural adaptations of termites which enable them to survive in their environment.
Explanation
(a) (i) Reasons why termites are called social insects: (1)They live in colonies or communities. (2)They undergo division of labour. (ii) Castes found in termites nest are -king -queen -workers -soldiers. Role: king fertilizes the eggs Queen lays the eggs workers do all the necessary work, e.g. building of colony, provision of food, feeding of the young ones and the queen Soldiers defend the colony. (b) Behavioural adaptation of termites: (i) Laying of many eggs which hatch into nymphs thereby ensuring survival of many. (ii) Movement in group enables them to ward off their enemies. (iii) They build tunnels and burrows into the heart of wood and this protects them from their enemies and harsh weather conditions. (iv) They feed on their dead members and this helps to maintain a clean and healthy colony. (v) Presence of inter-connecting tunnels enhances aeration within the termites nest.
