Termite colonies are typically organized into distinct social structures where each caste has a specific role. What term best describes this structure?

The term that best describes the distinct social structures within termite colonies is hierarchy. In a termite colony, various castes such as workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals (queens and kings) each perform specialized roles that contribute to the overall functioning and survival of the colony. This organization establishes a clear ranking and division of labor, essential for efficient teamwork among the termites. Each caste has specific duties, such as foraging, defending the colony, or reproduction, which exemplifies a hierarchical structure where roles and responsibilities are delineated based on caste.

While terms like colony and community refer to groups of organisms living together, they do not capture the structured and roles-specific nature of termite social organization. Likewise, a network implies a more interconnected and less defined relationship among individual members, which does not accurately represent the clear hierarchy established in termite colonies.