The following activities are associated with termites except

Analyze the question: We need the activity that is NOT associated with termites. Termites are social insects that live in colonies with a caste system (king, queen, workers, soldiers, reproductives).

Explain the concept: Termites show social organization. Each caste has its own duties, and the colony depends on cooperation.

Go through the options:

• A. Nuptial flight: This is true of termites. At the start of the rainy season, winged reproductives (alates) leave the colony, pair up, shed their wings, and start new colonies. This is a well-known feature in Nigeria, where the winged termites swarm around lights after the first rains.
• B. Searching for food: This is true of termites. Worker termites forage for wood, cellulose, and plant material to feed the colony.
• C. Communication: This is true of termites. They communicate using chemicals (pheromones), touch, and vibrations, for example to signal danger or mark food trails.
• D. Pollination: This is not associated with termites. Pollination is typically done by bees, butterflies, moths, and other flower-visiting insects. Termites feed on dead wood and plant matter and do not carry pollen between flowers as part of their life activities.

Answer: The activity not associated with termites is pollination, which is option D.

Exam tip: For "except" questions, test each option against what you know about the organism. Remember termite keywords: caste system, nuptial flight, cellulose feeding, pheromones, colony. Pollination goes with bees, butterflies, and flowers.