Termites are small, winged insects that live in colonies. There are more than 2,000 species of termites, and they are found on every continent except Antarctica. Termites are important decomposers of dead plant material, and play a vital role in the ecosystem.
Most termites are beneficial to humans, as they help to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the soil. However, some species of termite can be destructive to buildings and other structures made of wood. In many parts of the world, termites are considered a serious pest.
The earliest known fossilized remains oftermites date back to the Cretaceous period (about 100 million years ago), making them one of the oldest groups of insects currently known. It is thought that termites evolved from cockroaches; however, there is still much disagreement on this topic among scientists.