A call to termitologists: it is time to abandon the use of "lower" and "higher" termites

Author(s):Show less -

Carrijo, T. F. ; Engel, M. S. ; Chouvenc, T. ; Gile, G. H. ; Mikaelyan, A. ; Dedeine, F. ; Ware, J. L. ; Haifig, I. ; Arab, A. ; Constantini, J. P. ; Souza, J. P. ; Lee, S. -B. ; Bucek, A. ; Roisin, Y. ; Cancello, E. M. ; Santos, C. M. D.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Insectes Sociaux; v. N/A, p. 5-pg., 2023-08-23.

Abstract

This commentary paper addresses the outdated and misleading terminology used to categorize termites into "higher" and " lower". These terms perpetuate a linear progression view of evolution, which is both inaccurate and detrimental to our understanding of the diversity of life. We trace the historical origins of these terms and highlight their flawed interpretation of evolutionary relationships. We advocate for the adoption of Termitidae (or termitid), rather than " higher termites". As for the paraphyletic group of "lower termites", we recommend refraining from grouping them together, unless specifically referring to their symbionts. In such cases, we propose "protist-dependent termites" or "non-Termitidae termites". (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/06041-4 - Apicotermitinae (Blattaria, Isoptera, Termitidae) from the upper Madeira River region, Rondônia, Brazil: taxonomy and dimensions of diversity
• Grantee: Tiago Fernandes Carrijo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/22839-6 - Effect of diet on the bacterial diversity of termite guts (Termitidae)
• Grantee: Alberto José Arab Olavarrieta
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/08121-5 - Consequences of soldier loss for social immunity in termites (Isoptera: Termitidae)
• Grantee: Ives Haifig
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/11982-1 - Apicotermitinae (Termitidae) of Atlantic Rainforest sensu stricto
• Grantee: Joice Paulo Constantini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/11768-8 - Phylogenetic systematics and biogeography of Diptera in the Atlantic Forest: analysis of form, time and space emphasizing the infraorder Tabanomorpha (Diptera, Brachycera)
• Grantee: Charles Morphy Dias dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants