Carbon-Nitrogen Balance and Termite Ecology

摘要: Termites, feeding on dead plant matter with a carbon to nitrogen ratio much higher than their own tissues, have balance C and N inputs. Two classes of C-N balancing mechanisms are possible: adding inputs, or selectively eliminating C. Termites achieve both these the aid microorganisms (symbionts). We first show that termite can utilize food resources, thus attain productivity, only extent capabilities termite-symbionts system allow. hypotheses follow: (i) \`one-piece' termites (species nesting in consuming wood) tend not possess C-eliminating symbionts, whereas \`separate' foraging outside nests) full range symbionts; this advantage for separate results observed greater productivity colony size; (ii) sterile worker caste because ability which is conferred by makes increase true (sterile) worker's contribution reproductives' fitness, combined nest stability, great enough exceed threshold evolution from false workers.