Subterranean termites are classified as what type of insects due to their social structure?

Subterranean termites are classified as social insects because they live in colonies that exhibit a complex social structure. In these colonies, there are different castes, which include workers, soldiers, and reproductives (kings and queens). This social organization is characterized by cooperative behavior among the members, such as sharing tasks related to foraging for food, caring for the young, and defending the colony.

The division of labor among the different castes is a hallmark of social insects, allowing for more efficient functioning and survival of the colony as a whole. Subterranean termites communicate and coordinate their activities through pheromones and other signals, further emphasizing their social nature. This complex social structure is what differentiates them from solitary insects, which lead independent lives and do not form such collaborative groups.