Biology of Termites: a Modern Synthesis

1. An introduction to termites: biology, taxonomy and functional morphology.- 2. Termite phylogenetics and co-cladogenesis with symbionts.- 3. Evolution and function of endogenous termite cellulases.- 4. Altricial development in wood-feeding cockroaches: the key antecedent of termite eusociality.- 5. Eusocial evolution in termites and Hymenoptera.- 6. Social organization and the status of workers in termites.- 7. Ecology, behavior and evolution of disease resistance in termites.- 8. Comparative biology of fungus cultivation in termites and ants.- 9. Molecular basis underlying caste differentiation in termites.- 10. Sexual and asexual reproduction in termites.- 11. Pheromones and chemical ecology of dispersal and foraging in termites.- 12. Genetic structure of termite colonies and populations.- 13. Termite mound architecture, from function to construction.- 14. Morphology, physiology, biochemistry and functional design of the termite gut: an evolutionary Wonderland.- 15. Diversity, structure and evolution of the termite gut microbial community.- 16. Role of the termite gut microbiota in symbiotic digestion.- 17. Global biogeography of termites: a compilation of sources.- 18. Termites as pests of tropical agriculture.- 19. Invasive termites.