The Effects On Ecosystems By Ground Termites

An ecosystem includes all the different organisms, their relationship with each other and the environment they are in.  Each event that happens in it affects all others – no matter how minor the event may be, one way or the other – there are those directly and indirectly affected in nature. 

Ground termites or commonly called subterranean termites live underground.  In an open field, they nest underground, and some species of termites build mounds that can go many feet above. 

Effects on Ecosystems by Ground Termites – Worthwhile to Know

Like all others that are part of the whole picture of things, the effects on ecosystems by ground termites are known.  While mostly known for its negative image by men, due entirely to the destructions of homes that these termites have brought about, they also have worthwhile contributions to the general world.

Some of the Effects on Ecosystems by Ground Termites

Termites are known to feed on wood.  In the bigger picture of things, and in the wildlife in particular, this termite activity is what helps in decomposing dead wood.  These termites feed on woods, and break them down until it decomposes.

Other effects on ecosystems by ground termites, is the resulting fertility of soil surrounding their mounds.  It has been known that African farmers seek out areas with termite mounds and after which, they plant their crops on the surroundings of these mounds.  Their experience has been to the effect that those planted near these termite mounds produced more, come harvest time.  And it is an experience that they have kept for many years – and evidences show of the same productivity.

One of the effects on ecosystems by ground termites, is the auxiliary use of their mounds after they are no longer there.  These are used by other animals in the wild.  Its elevated structure has become a safety ground for these animals especially with the danger perhaps of flooding. 

Termites are still part of nature and the world we are in.  While it has carried its pest image, there are also certain things in the ecosystem that it can do some positive effect.  All work around the principle of balance in nature, and without such activities of termites in wildlife – surely there will be some effect on nature in one way or another.  Each organism in nature has a role to play, and as normal events take its toll, nature will find balance above all these.