Question

In an association of two animal species, one is a termite which feeds on wood and the other is a protozoan Trichonympha present in the gut of the termite. What type of association do they establish?

Answer 1

Introduction to mutualism:

Mutualism is an association between two species where they live together and benefit each other.

Mutualism between Trichonympha and termite:

Protozoa Trichonympha is an endosymbiont that lives in the hindgut of termites. It helps the termite to digest wood by secreting the enzyme glycoside hydrolases. This enzyme converts cellulose of wood into simpler sugar.

In turn, the termite provides the space and shelter to Trichonympha to live. Without Trichonympha, termites would not have been able to digest wood and would have eventually died.

Final answer: Mutualism