OPM Termite Practice Exam

What aids termites in digesting food?

1. Saliva produced by the queen

2. Bacteria in the stomach

3. Protozoans in the intestinal tract

4. Enzymes from fungi

The correct answer is: Protozoans in the intestinal tract

Termites rely on a symbiotic relationship with protozoans in their intestinal tract to digest cellulose, which is the primary component of wood and plant material that they consume. These protozoans are single-celled organisms that have the capability to break down complex carbohydrates found in cellulose, transforming it into simpler substances that termites can absorb and utilize as nutrients. The significance of protozoans for termite digestion lies in their ability to produce enzymes that decompose cellulose, an otherwise indigestible substance for the termites themselves. This not only facilitates the termites' nutritional intake but also plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to decompose plant materials. By hosting these protozoans, termites are able to thrive on a diet that would be inadequate for many other organisms. While there are other elements involved in the digestive process, such as bacteria and enzymes, the unique contribution of protozoans makes them vital in the digestion of food in termites.