2. Protozoan Partners in Digestion
One of the most important symbiotic interactions in nature is formed within the gut of many termite species by a sophisticated population of protozoa.The life of termites depends on these microscopic creatures as they have the special capacity to break down cellulose—something they are unable of on their own.While the termites obtain otherwise unreachable nutrients from wood, the protozoa have a steady habitat and continuous food source.Young termites must aggressively obtain these protozoa from other colony members by a mechanism known as proctodeal trophallaxis since this relationship is so important.Termites would not be able to break down wood and get its nutrients without these microscopic partners, hence this relationship is essential for their survival and ecological function as decomposers in many different environments all around.