What characterizes drywood termite colonies?

Drywood termite colonies are characterized by a structured social organization that includes reproductives, soldiers, and nymphs. In these colonies, the reproductives are responsible for mating and establishing new colonies, the soldiers serve the critical function of protecting the colony from predators, and the nymphs, which are immature termites, develop into adults and help with various tasks such as foraging and maintaining the nest.

The presence of these distinct castes is essential for the survival and efficiency of the colony. Each caste has specific roles that contribute to the overall functionality of the colony, making it a sophisticated social structure. In contrast, the other descriptions do not accurately reflect the characteristics of drywood termite colonies.

For instance, while it's true that some termite species do have small colonies, drywood termites are specifically known for their unique organization rather than just the size of their populations. The size of drywood termite colonies can vary, but they do not typically grow to the large colonies of over 10,000 individuals like some other termite species. Moreover, the assumption that drywood colonies are exclusively comprised of nymphs and workers overlooks the essential roles of reproductives and soldiers within their societal framework.