Termites and Protozoa
Protozoa are introduced into a newborn termite by the eating of older termites feces that contain the protoza. Protozoa live in the termites stomach and break down the cellulose from the wood the termites eat. Without the cellulase protoza produce to break down the cellulose in wood into sugar that termites can absorb through their stomach, termites would starve. Termites are known for eating wood, but without the protozoa that reside in their stomach, they would be unable to digest the cellulose within the wood. Termites benefit from the protoza by being able to digest wood and get the nutrients they need to survive. Termites and Endosymbiotic Protozoa (mutualistic relationship) First example of a mutualistic relationship- a 100 million year old termite with protoza was found in a piece of amber Protozoa benefit from the termites by receiving food and shelter.