Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

What is a key benefit of termites in their natural habitat?

1. They repel other insects

2. They aerate the soil

3. They recycle nutrients

4. They provide food to predators

The correct answer is: They recycle nutrients

The role of termites in their natural habitat is significant, particularly in the context of nutrient cycling. Termites break down cellulose from wood and plant material, which is essential for the decomposition process. By consuming dead and decaying organic matter, they transform it into a more usable form for plants and other organisms in the ecosystem. This nutrient recycling is a crucial part of maintaining soil health and fertility, promoting the growth of vegetation. While other choices highlight various aspects of ecological interactions, they do not capture the primary role termites play in nutrient cycling as effectively. For instance, while termites may indirectly contribute to soil aeration through their tunneling activities, this is a secondary benefit rather than their main ecological contribution. Similarly, while termites do serve as a food source for predators, this is a function found within many species in an ecosystem and does not highlight the unique benefit that termites provide. Their role in recycling nutrients is fundamental to sustaining the ecosystem, making it the correct focus for understanding their key benefits in nature.