Much like ecosystems depend on the structure provided by termites, termite research also needs a strong foundation. So the terminology of termites has been revised. Now, a new classification system for termites has been developed, the result of collaboration among 46 researchers from across the globe.
| Date | September 5, 2024 |
| Source | Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University |
| Summary | A comprehensive classification system for termites has been established through expert consensus and advanced modeling |
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Why the terminology of termites has been revised
Just as ecosystems depend on termites for their structure, termite research also needs a solid foundation. Now, a new, globally-developed classification system for termites has emerged, thanks to the collaboration of 46 researchers. This system, based on expert consensus and extensive data analysis, was recently published in Nature Communications. According to Dr. Simon Hellemans, lead author and member of the Evolutionary Genomics Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), ‘We’ve addressed previous ambiguities with a robust, modular system for classifying termites. This new framework provides a stable platform for future research into termite diversification and their ecological roles, as well as potential discoveries.
A Reunified Termite Family Through Refined Classification
Taxonomy, the classification of organisms, is essential to all biological research. As Dr. Hellemans explains, ‘To study anything in nature, you need to define your units of observation.’ While species don’t care whether we call them Heterotermitidae or Rhinotermitidae, clear classification is critical for researchers to focus their work and communicate effectively. In the past, these classifications were often based on an organism’s physical traits and behaviors, which led to some ambiguities—especially in species like termites, where visual distinctions are subtle.
Over time, this led to a confusing termite family tree, particularly as some species evolved quickly. Despite their diversity, termites were historically grouped into only ten families, often mixing species with unclear evolutionary connections. In taxonomy, monophyly refers to species sharing a common ancestor, while polyphyly groups species by shared traits rather than ancestry, and paraphyly includes some, but not all, descendants of a common ancestor. Termites, while a monophyletic group within cockroaches, have long been classified in ways that involve much polyphyly and paraphyly.
Dr. Hellemans and his team solved this by using extensive data analysis and new morphological surveys, splitting up large subfamilies to eliminate paraphyly and polyphyly in the termite family tree. ‘This allows us to accommodate new species while preserving historical names,’ says Dr. Hellemans, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable termite nomenclature.
The new classification is entirely monophyletic, clarifying evolutionary relationships and making it easier to categorize new species. This precision benefits both research and pest control efforts. For instance, the destructive Coptotermes gestroi termite was once grouped with non-pest species like Dolichorhinotermes longilabius due to their physical similarities. Recent phylogenetic studies, however, have confirmed their divergence, reclassifying C. gestroi into the Heterotermitidae family.
FAQ:
1. What are termites?
Termites are small, social insects that live in colonies. They are known for feeding on wood and other plant material, playing an important role in recycling nutrients in ecosystems.
2. Why are termites important for ecosystems?
Termites act as ecosystem engineers, breaking down dead plant material, aerating the soil, and recycling nutrients. This process improves soil quality and helps plant life thrive. Their activity is comparable to earthworms in terms of soil health.