Termites Behaviour and their Effects on Ecology an Study in Mounds

The many ways in which termites interact with the plant-soil-litter system are mapped into a conceptual network of pathways to show that discrete actions of termites positively or negatively impact ecosystem function. That is, because of their multiple methods of food and nesting, termites can act as agents of decay or pedogenesis, pests, competitors of livestock, or sources of greenhouse gases. In addition, these common feeding and nesting practices establish symbiotic interactions between termites and fauna, to invertebrates and vertebrates, and even plants. This gives all termites a role in ecosystem functioning that goes beyond being a mere link in the food web