5. The Compass Mounds of Western Australia
Especially those constructed by Amitermes meridionalis, Western Australia’s termite mounds show amazing architectural adaptation to environmental conditions. Their unique north-south orientation helps control colony temperature, so these buildings are referred to as “compress mounds”. Rising to heights of up to 3.5 meters, these wedge-shaped mounds have thinner east-west axis and larger north-south axis. This particular design maximizes heat absorption during milder seasons and reduces exposure to the strong noon sun, therefore highlighting the remarkable capacity of termites to modify their building to fit local temperature conditions.
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