Question

Termites show combined characters as
(A) Xylophagous
(B) Social insects
(C) Fungus garden cultivation
(D) Trophallaxis
Choose the most appropriate option from the followings:

• A. (A) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only
• C. (A), (B) and (C) only
• D. (A), (B), (C) and (D)

Hint:

Proctodeal (anal) trophallaxis is especially critical for termites because they lose their cellulose-digesting hindgut flagellates during each molt and must reacquire them from nestmates.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Termites (order Blattodea, formerly Isoptera) are eusocial insects recognized for their complex colony structures, nest building, and specialized feeding habits.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each of the biological characteristics listed:
(A) Xylophagous:
Termites are wood-feeding (xylophagous) insects.
They feed on cellulose, which they digest with the help of symbiotic protozoans or bacteria residing in their hindgut.
Thus, character (A) is correct.
(B) Social insects:
Termites are highly organized eusocial insects with a strict caste system consisting of a queen, king, soldiers, and workers.
Thus, character (B) is correct.
(C) Fungus garden cultivation:
Higher termites belonging to the subfamily Macrotermitinae cultivate symbiotic fungi (genus Termitomyces) in specialized "fungus gardens" inside their mounds.
The termites feed on the digested plant material and fungal nodules, which help break down tough lignin.
Thus, character (C) is correct.
(D) Trophallaxis:
Termites rely on trophallaxis (the mouth-to-mouth or anus-to-mouth transfer of digested food and fluids) to share nutrients, transfer essential gut symbionts, and distribute colony-regulating pheromones.
Thus, character (D) is correct.
Since all four features (A, B, C, D) are characteristic of termites, the most appropriate choice is Option 4.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Termites exhibit all of the listed traits.
Thus, the correct choice is option 4.