What is the primary food source for termites?

Termites primarily feed on wood and cellulose materials, which is why the correct answer highlights this specific dietary preference. Wood is rich in cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that constitutes the cell walls of plants. Termites possess specialized enzymes and microorganisms in their guts that allow them to break down cellulose, enabling them to derive nutrients from materials that are largely indigestible to other organisms. This unique ability to digest cellulose has made termites significant decomposers in their ecosystems, as they help break down dead and decaying plant material, contributing to nutrient cycling in the environment.

While fruits, vegetables, paper, fabric, soil, and rocks are mentioned in the other options, they do not serve as the primary food source for termites. Fruits and vegetables are not part of their natural diet, and although they may consume paper due to its cellulose content, it is not their primary food source like wood is. Soil and rocks generally provide no nutritional value for termites. Hence, their diet is predominantly focused on materials that are rich in cellulose, particularly wood, making the correct answer clear and relevant in understanding the feeding habits of termites.