Termites Digest Wood Thanks To Microbes | I Contain Multitudes

The next time you spot a termite chomping down on wood, know that they’re not dining alone.
In this episode, Ed Yong explores the secrets behind termites’ power to digest an abundant source of food: wood. The key is microbes in their gut. Ed checks in with Princeton scientist Xinning Zhang to learn how termites evolved into wood-eating specialists about 150 million years ago, and how they use a unique social behavior to pass along the microbes. Surprisingly, the termite way of being social is through...ehem...butt-licking. Or, more formally, “proctodeal trophallaxis.” Ed and Xinning examine footage of the microbes (in this case, protists) living inside the termite’s gut to see what their feast looks like up close.
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[@besmart]

Great first video from what's sure to be a great series (from what I know is a great book)!

[@pbsvoices]

Can't wait to see more!

[@Meyaran]

I literally read about this in your book last night, how much of an amazing coincidence is that? Btw, I'm loving the book so much! It is super interesting and easy for people without much background in the area to understand. As a microbiologist in training I really do appreciate it, and I'm recomending it to the people close to me in hopes to get them as exited as I am about the subject. The videos will help for sure, great work and thank you! :)

[@Socratica]

Thrilled to see these videos from one of our scicomm heroes!

[@frasercain]

Very cool Ed, nice work!

[@MrScooterprince]

Is it possible to transfer the microbes from a termite gut to another animal's gut and give them the ability to add wood to their diet?

[@elizagilliam1339]

I've shared the video! Very excited for the series!

[@daisyakabilliefan9928]

who’s here because of online schooling! and because your teacher asked you to watch this KZbin video?

[@or8691]

me lol

[@Laufered]

I'm glad to have stumbled upon your videos😆

[@allen3784]

I’m going to start licking termite butts so I can digest wood! Also can this be applied to humans?

[@SentryFather]

This is how learning becomes fun right people?

[@AaronCorcoran1]

Great video! More generally is there a relationship between degree of sociality and complexity of the microbiome?

[@ryanzer0170]

How does she know it's tasty? Did she try it? Lmfao

[@jimisru]

You absolutely must stop chewing food on your videos. Misophonia is a thing. I loved your book. I want to watch your videos. but please make it stop!

[@abidixon6948]

I have a question! Is it possible for multiple species of microorganisms to reproduce with eachother, creating hybrid species? If so, what are examples of micros who have originated from cross-reproduction of species? Thanks, hope this gets answered!

[@veronikab.3902]

Hi! So do this protists produce enzymes to digest wood or do they themseves have other bacterias inside that can do that? Thank you!

[@ryangee890]

Both. The termites ferment the wood and turn it into energy. When the wood is damp or old.

[@maggiemccormick8954]

Could humans eventually evolve to have that type of microbe?

[@themotivator2587]

Do humans contain microbes that can digest wood? Or could we obtain them by eating termites? I'm curious because I learned that some processed foods, such as some breads, contain sawdust (listed on the nutrition label as "cellulise fiber"). So I'd like to know if this provides any actual benefit to humans or their microbes, if it just passes through inertly, or if it might actually cause harm in some way.

[@HShango]

I'd like to know more or if you can upload a video about the human microbiome. Thanks in advance.

[@zulfafatmawati1988]

hi! it's beautiful animation to explain termite gut microbiome. very excited to waiting biochemistry process too

[@johnsonsoon8036]

I bought the book before I knew about this channel. Great work and keep it up!

[@jaedenvanderberg3890]

How does our micro biome affect our mood?

[@marnelmouton9036]

Stunning videos!

[@jasb2835]

If it didnt dive so far into the assumptions of evolution which are not science, science is verifiable and repeatable, it could be a usable video.