Termite gut microbiome

The termite gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms—such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa—that live inside a termite's digestive system. These microbes work together to break down complex plant materials like wood and cellulose, which termites alone cannot digest efficiently. This symbiotic relationship allows termites to extract nutrients from tough, fibrous materials, providing them with energy. The microbiome is essential for their survival and plays a significant role in nutrient cycling and decomposition in ecosystems, making termites important contributors to natural waste recycling.