We think of termites as insects that "eat" wood. In fact, however, termites rely on a variety of eukaryotic and prokaryotic gut microbes to digest cellulose-without the microbes, the termites will ingest wood, but will starve. This, then, is an example of a(n);
A)obligate mutualism.
B)obligate antagonism.
C)facultative mutualism.
D)facultative antagonism.
E)None of the answer options is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Termites and the microbes in their guts have a mutualistic relationship that is obligate, meaning they rely on each other for survival. The termites cannot digest cellulose without the help of the gut microbes, and the gut microbes cannot survive without the cellulose-rich diet provided by the termites.

We Think of Termites as Insects That "Eat" Wood