Which caste constitutes the majority of the termite population?

The worker caste constitutes the majority of the termite population because their primary role is essential for the survival and functioning of the colony. They are responsible for gathering food, caring for the queen and her offspring, maintaining and repairing the nest, and performing various other tasks necessary for the colony's well-being. Workers are typically sterile, which allows them to dedicate themselves entirely to these duties, leading to an overwhelming population of workers compared to other castes.

In a termite colony, the queen's primary function is reproduction, resulting in a limited number of queens. The soldier caste, while important for defense, comprises a small percentage of the total population as their role is specifically to protect the colony from predators. The alates or swarmer caste is involved in reproduction and dispersal but are only present during certain times of the year when they are ready to mate and establish new colonies. Overall, the worker caste's critical roles and high numbers are what define the structure and functionality of a termite colony.