Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Investigating the Microbial Community in the Termite Hindgut - Interview
Published on: May 28, 2007
Changes in the composition and activities of termite communities in relation to changing rainfall
1Animal Ecology Research Group, Zoology Department, South Parks Road, Oxford, England.
Abstract:
The foraging activities of termites were measured at nine sites distributed along a rainfall gradient in Tsavo National Park, Kenya. Dead wood disappearance (D, g m-2a-1) was mainly attributable to termites and was related to rainfall (R, mm a-1) by the equation [Formula: see text] Foraging activity was highest during rainy seasons and declined to low levels during the long dry season. The number of species increased with increasing rainfall while the importance of fungus growing Macrotermitinae declined.
Related Concept Videos
Precipitation and Co-precipitation
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Precipitation Processes
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss

