Termites: The Silent Architects of Our Ecosystem

The word “termite” could be a cause of panic and worry amongst a few, especially for those who live in the United States, where they furtively infest wooden shelters and cause a whopping 30 billion dollars in damage every year (roughly). Although, in places where wood is not predominantly used as a basic structural material, for example, in India, termites are anything but troublemakers. Some would say, termites would make marvelous engineers and could easily pass as professors of architecture or structural engineering (if we knew their language or they knew ours). These pre-programmed tiny creatures are capable of building mounds as tall as 13 meters which is equivalent to a four-storey building. If we compare the relative size, termites might have just built the largest structure known to Earth-kind. What are these mounds made of you may ask- Interestingly and disgustingly even, the mounds comprise mud, saliva, dung, and half-digested leaf matter. Oddly enough, termites did not opt for this mound-building method initially when they realized they needed shelter. They started with the sought-after, shadow-giving, shelter-providing goddesses- the trees. Long ago, when termites had just recently evolved from "cockroaches" in Africa, they hollowed the tree trunks and thrived for ages. From Africa, termites are said to have Life of Pi’d their way through the ocean to Australia, where they continued to practice their hollow tree nesting until climate change hit. Water scarcity led to the loss of trees and hence, loss of termites’ comfort shelter. Adaptation played a huge role here when they resorted to underground nesting where the temperature was not much of a bother. This was the birth of the friendly neighbourhood termites that we know of. Termites that build their nests in the trunk and on the trees persist but in fewer numbers.

Termites live underground. But, doesn’t this contradict the idea of mound building? Some termites do live in the mounds, but most build a huge network of tunnels underground, where they predominantly reside. The mound seen above the ground is only the tip of the iceberg. Here, the mounds play a threefold role- thermoregulation, respiration, and protection.

Thermoregulation- The mounds may have a network of very little tunnels or huge chimneys. In both cases, the thermoregulation mechanism resembles the whole sea-breeze and land-breeze mechanism, that is, convection currents. During the day, when the temperature is soaring, the air inside the mound heats up. Consequently, the warmer air from the inside of the mound rises, creating a cooler environment inside, ensuring temperature stability.

Respiration- It is amazing how termites have such a complex respiratory system. Their mounds are considered the "lungs" of their habitat. This is because termites release toxic gasses, such as CO2, during respiration. The tunnels and chambers in their environment allow for proper air circulation, ensuring that CO2 is expelled and O2 is taken in.

Protection- Termites find refuge from harsh weather and predators under mounds. The intricate tunnels and the strong, thick walls of the mound protect them from tiny, as well as large predators. Fun Fact: Pangolins, which are indigenous to India's Western Ghats, feed on these insects. Termite mounds are designed to regulate temperature and humidity.

All in all, we have established that termites are masterminds when it comes to engineering. True to their name, the compass termites make a very thin mound that points in the North-South direction. By positioning the mound in a North-South direction, compass termites minimize exposure to direct sunlight, which helps them maintain a more stable internal temperature and avoid excessive heating during the hottest parts of the day. It is remarkable how termites possess an innate ability to comprehend engineering and environmental factors when constructing their mounds. Apparently, they communicate this knowledge to each other by releasing specific pheromones.

?Termites are eusocial, just like bees. It is interesting to note that termites have a caste system of their own, which they adhere to very diligently- Reproductive Caste, Soldier Caste, Worker Caste, Alate Caste, and the Nymphs. These castes work together in a highly organized manner to ensure the survival and success of the termite colony. Speaking of success, termites also help in the successful growth of flora around itself. Termites churn and loosen up the soil during nest-building and scavenging activities which promotes soil aeration, and nutrient cycling and also enhances microbial activity. Do not be fooled because this is certainly not a selfless good deed. Termites benefit from this too, as they are pure vegetarians -The more the flora, the more the food, the more the merrier. Undoubtedly, there is a lot we humans need to learn from the 'mites. While we may often view ourselves as the sole creators, operators, and destroyers of the world, these tiny creatures remind us that we are not the only ones with power and influence.