Why do termites depend on fungi in the wood?

Termites depend on fungi in the wood primarily for nutrition. The relationship between termites and certain fungi is a symbiotic one, where the fungi help to digest the wood that the termites consume. Termites have a difficult time breaking down the cellulose found in wood on their own, so they cultivate specific fungi within their colonies. These fungi can break down the complex cellulose molecules into simpler compounds that the termites can then digest, effectively turning the wood into a nourishing source of food.

This nutritional benefit is crucial for termites, as their survival is heavily reliant on efficiently extracting energy and nutrients from wood. Other options such as protection, moisture, or shelter do not capture the fundamental role that fungi play in the digestive and nutritional processes of termites. Instead, the key element of this interaction is the nutritional support that fungi provide, enabling termites to thrive on a diet predominantly consisting of wood.