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Interaction between Termites and Microbes
Termites are prominent members of arid ecosystems. They are the supreme converters of organic matter in soil from the tropics to the desert. Lignocellulose degradation in termites is mediated by an array of microbes chiefly fungi and bacteria inhabiting the termite intestine. Their associated microbial symbionts dissimilate a significant proportion of the ingested lignocellulose, plant material of which cellulose and hemicellulose are the chief components. The rate of dissimilation could be as high as 85-90%.