OPM Termite Practice Exam

What type of food do termites primarily seek to eat?

1. Wood with cellulose

2. Leaves and grass

3. Plastic and metal

4. Stone and soil

The correct answer is: Wood with cellulose

Termites primarily seek to eat wood containing cellulose, which is a complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls. This cellulose is not easily digestible for most organisms, but termites have developed a specialized digestive system that allows them to break it down. They rely on symbiotic microorganisms in their gut, such as bacteria and protozoa, to help ferment and digest cellulose, enabling them to derive nutrition from wood. The other choices reflect materials that do not provide the necessary nutrients that termites need to thrive. For example, while leaves and grass contain cellulose, termites are more specialized in consuming wood, which is their primary resource. Plastic and metal do not provide any nutritional value to termites, and attempting to consume these materials would not support their diet or survival. Stone and soil are also non-nutritional; while termites may interact with soil for building their colonies, they do not derive food from these materials. Thus, the focus on wood with cellulose aligns perfectly with the dietary needs and behaviors of termites.