The caste system in social insects like termites and ants is a highly organized division of labor that ensures the colony's survival and efficiency. Each caste has specialized roles:
- Workers: Responsible for foraging, nest building, and caring for young.
- Soldiers: Defend the colony against predators and intruders; often have larger mandibles or specialized body parts.
- Queens: Primary reproductive females; their main role is to lay eggs.
- Males: Typically involved in reproduction during specific mating seasons.
This system allows colonies to function as a single "superorganism," with each caste contributing to the colony's growth, maintenance, and defense.