Which statement is true regarding the castes in termite colonies?

In termite colonies, specific castes are crucial for the overall functioning and survival of the colony because each caste is specialized to perform distinct and vital roles. This specialization ensures that all essential tasks, such as foraging for food, caring for the young, defending the colony, and reproduction, are carried out efficiently and effectively.

For example, worker termites are responsible for gathering food, maintaining the nest, and caring for the queen's offspring. Soldiers protect the colony from predators, while the reproductive castes, including the queen and king, are primarily concerned with producing new termites to sustain the colony's growth. This division of labor allows the colony to thrive and adapt to various challenges.

In contrast to this structure, the idea that all castes perform the same role or that their roles are interchangeable would lead to inefficiencies and could jeopardize the colony's survival. Additionally, the concept of no specialized castes contradicts the observed behavior and organization prevalent in termite societies. Therefore, the statement that different castes have specific functions accurately reflects the complexity and organization of termite colonies.