Termite genome has been sequenced. They share almost similar same looking sex and caste system as ants
This is a great achievement for scientists. And this is the reason that Aix-Marseille University researchers are going gaga over their most important achievement in years.
They have successfully sequenced termite genome that is going to help scientists in the coming years to devise means on how to control them.
There is no denying the fact that termites play havoc with most of us and despite all sorts of methods it seems almost impossible to control them. They always beat pest control specialists and seem to be a step ahead of them.
They know the art of survival and whatever the new method of pest control they always come out unscathed and stronger as the existing pest control sprays are of no use for them.
There is no denying the fact that in most cases these termites are actually confused with winged ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): termites have body segments that are similar in width, hair-like (filiform) antennae and, when present, four wings of equal length; ants have narrow waists, elbowed antennae and forewings that are longer than hind wings. The differences between drywood termites (Kalotermitidae) and subterranean (Rhinotermitidae) are easiest to see in the venation of the wings of the adult reproductive caste.
But now there is a hope that things will changed and termites will be reined in. Researchers and scientists in North Carolina State University have done something that couldn't have been done so far in the history. They have successfully sequenced the genome dampwood termite in their lab giving biologists across the world a sense of joy that only such huge achievements can instill. The new development is going to be of immense help for scientists as it will help them identify specific gene functions that may guide them as to how to control unwanted termite in the days to come.
Scientists not just in Aix-Marseille University of France are excited, others too are equally thrilled. The development will help scientists in actually devising a strategy in finding differences and similarities with other animals that are categorized as social insects including ants, wasps and bees. The study according to scientists will also help them find the answer of how the social animals evolved. It is needless to say that people behind the development are simply very excited. Nicolas Terrapon of Aix-Marseille University and one of the lead authors says, "The analysis of the termite genome is crucial to improving our understanding of decisive steps in the evolution of insects, and also of the development of social insects. He goes on to add, "Termites are, in contrast to bees and ants, quite original insects, and belong to the cockroaches. Our research will help us gain a better understanding of the evolution of insects in general."
The latest study comes out with another startling finding of its own. Some of the basic developments of the findings include the fact that unlike other social animals these termites come with less number of receptors associated with smell. This makes communication between them harder compared to other social insects. "These sensory receptors may not be as important to being social as we previously believed, at least for these more primitive termites", says one of the scientists who was part of the study.
Source : http://nvonews.com/scientists-sequence-termite-genome-exterminating-them-to-be-possible/
