How do termites demonstrate endosymbiosis?

Question

Julian Aguilar · Accepted Answer

For the most part termites demonstrate symbiosis not endosymbiosis

Since endosymbiosis refers to a relationship whereby something is inside, termites have a variety of bacteria living in specific compartments within their guts. These bacteria are not a part of the cellular mechanisms of the termites cells. Experiments have shown that when chemicals are used to kill the specialized bacteria inside of termites, the termites cannot digest the cellulose and "starve" to death. However, the specialized bacteria are only known to exist inside the digestive system of the termites. How the bacteria come to live inside of the termites is not fully known. It is thought that the bacteria are passed from the adult termites to the young soon after birth. Symbiosis is the term for this type of relationship in which the specialized bacteria and termites both gain from one another.

Vivian Aronson · Answer

undefined Termites demonstrate endosymbiosis through a mutualistic relationship with protists in their hindgut. The protists aid in cellulose digestion, while termites provide a stable environment for protists to thrive. This symbiotic relationship enables termites to break down cellulose and obtain nutrients from their wood-based diet.