The relationship between a termite and the protozoam in its intestine is described as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what kind of relationship exists between a termite and the protozoa living in its gut.

Step 2: Explain the concept Organisms can relate in several ways:

• Predation: one organism (the predator) kills and eats another (the prey).
• Saprophytism: an organism feeds on dead or decaying organic matter.
• Symbiosis (mutualism): two organisms live together and both benefit.
• Parasitism: one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host).

Step 3: Apply it to the termite and protozoa Termites eat wood, which is mostly cellulose. They cannot digest cellulose on their own because they lack the enzyme cellulase. The protozoa in their intestine (such as Trichonympha) produce cellulase and break the cellulose down into simpler sugars.

• The termite gets digested food, which it can absorb.
• The protozoa get a safe home and a steady supply of food (wood particles).

Both organisms benefit, so this is a mutualistic symbiotic relationship.

Step 4: Eliminate the wrong options

• A. Predation: the termite is not hunting and killing the protozoa.
• B. Saprophytism: neither organism feeds on dead matter in this way.
• D. Parasitism: the protozoa do not harm the termite; they help it.
• C. Symbiosis: correct.

Answer: C. Symbiosis

Exam tip: Remember "termite + protozoa = cellulose digestion = both benefit." Other classic JAMB symbiosis examples are nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume root nodules, and the alga and fungus in lichens. If the question says both organisms gain, think symbiosis or mutualism.