Question

What happens if termites make a tree hollow?

Answer 1

Termites are small insects that live in colonies and have the ability to damage or destroy living things. They also possess the ability to damage or destroy trees and buildings.

Complete step by step answer: Small, soft-bodied insects which live in colonies are known as termites. Just like bee and ant, they are also separated as workers and soldiers which are normally sterile. They consist of fertile males called ‘kings’ and one or more fertile females known as ‘queens’. They feed on dead plant materials and cellulose. Cellulose is present in the wood of plants and trees. They also feed on leaf litter, animal dung, and soil. As they feed on the plant material and cellulose found in plants and trees it makes the tree hollow which is considered to be highly destructive. As the trunk becomes hollow it weakens the strength of the tree and cannot withstand the weight of the whole tree. During storms and heavy rains, the heavy branches may fall off as the trunk is hollow. Eventually, the trees which are infected by termites will die.

Note: Termites belong to the major detritivores. Heterotrophs that obtain their nutrients from detritus are called detritivores. Detritus means waste or any kind of debris. These heterotrophs contribute to the recycling of wood and plant matter which is of considerable ecological importance. Termites are less likely to be attacked by parasites as they are protected in their mound. A wide variety of predators feed on termites for their food.