OPM Termite Practice Exam

Which term refers to the worker termites that are responsible for the labor in a termite colony?

1. Nymphs

2. Soldiers

3. Workers

4. Queens

The correct answer is: Workers

The term that refers to the worker termites responsible for the labor in a termite colony is indeed "workers." Worker termites play a crucial role in the maintenance and functioning of the colony. They perform various tasks such as foraging for food, caring for the queen's offspring, building and repairing the nest, and defending the colony when necessary. In contrast, nymphs are immature stages in the termite life cycle that will develop into adults, but they do not perform labor like the workers. Soldiers, on the other hand, have the specific duty of defending the colony from predators and threats, rather than engaging in the day-to-day labor. Queens are primarily responsible for reproduction and establishing the colony, not for the laborious tasks that keep the colony thriving. Therefore, the term "workers" appropriately characterizes the individuals responsible for the essential tasks within a termite colony.