Termite poses serious threat to our buildings against which engineers and architects have to take special measures but on the other hand termite is a nature's great engineer itself from which we can learn a number of lessons.
The materials used by termite are tougher than cement and concrete, said Professor Dr Farkhanda Manzoor of Lahore College of Women University while delivering a lecture on 'Termite Nature's Engineer' organised by the Institution of Engineers Pakistan Lahore Center, here on Friday.
She said that termites in proportion to its size builds mounds which are taller than the tallest buildings of the world and are perfectly sound and stable against wind and earthquake forces. Termites live in perfectly ordered colonies. Every termite knows its duty and carries it out without any error. They behave self-sacrificially towards one another. Scientists have done much research about termites and written books about their findings; and the lack of any confusion in the termite system leaves them amazed.
Termite species are classified into three groups, according to where they live: underground, above ground termites and dry wood termites. Each of these groups has a different kind of colony life. If you look into a termites' nest, you would see some termites that have different appearances, because each nest is divided into four castes namely the king and queen, Alates or swarmers: ,Worker, and. Soldiers.
Dr Manzoor said that termites are best known for their ability to build magnificent nests out of the ground more skilfully than a human being could. The skill of these tropical architects is undisputed in building cities that seem to appear out of nowhere. Their ease in finding building materials and technical skills were amazing. Every species of termite builds different kinds of nests suitable to their needs. These nests can be found inside trees, on or under the ground.
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