Classification
Classification of
Cryptotermes cavifrons.
Domain: Eukarya
Cryptotermes cavifrons belongs to the domain Eukarya
because it contains nuclei in its cells (Campbell, et al. 2008)
Kingdom: Animalia
Cryptotermes cavifrons belongs to the kingdom Animalia
which translates to “living being” because of the shared
characteristics it has with all organisms of this kingdom. These
characteristics are that it is a multi-cellular eukaryotic organism
that digests its food (Campbell, et al. 2008). There is great
variation of morphology across the Animal Kingdom an awesome example
of this is the Golden Eagle (see
Golden Eagle).
Phylum: Arthropoda
Cavifrons
was placed in the phylum Arthropoda or in English
“jointed leg”. It was placed here because of this organisms
morphological features. These features are that it has a hard
exoskeleton that is composed of chitin, and that it has a segmented
body that forms a head, abdomen, and thorax (Thomas 1990). There are
many species that belong to this phylum an interesting lesser known
one is the Mayan Bee.(see
Mayan
Bee).
Class: Insecta
Cavifrons
belongs to the class of Insecta which literal
translation means to notch or cut. This organism was put here
because it has “segmented tarsi, no muscles past the first section
of antenna, and an organ consisting of sensory cells located in the
second part of the antenna” (Kristensen 1991). Another well known
organism that belongs to this class is the Army Ant.(see
Army Ant).
Order: Blattodea
Cavifrons
was placed in the order of Blattodea for its
characteristics and common ancestry. This organism shares a common
ancestor with cockroaches which makes up a large part of the order,
and shares similar characteristics with cockroaches like” leathery
wings (only in reproductives), it lays eggs, and asymmetrical
genitalia” ( Eggleton, et al. 2007. Tree of Life).
Family: Kalotermitidae
Cavifrons
is placed in the lower family of termites Kalotermitidae
(Krishna 1969). It was placed there because of a shared symbiotic
relationship all members of this family posses with a protozoan that
helps digest cellulose to turn into nutrients (Krishna and Weesner
1969). Kalotermitidae translates into “primitive termites of warm
regions” (thefreedictionary 2013)
Genus: Cryptotermes
Cavifrons
belongs to the genus of Cryptotermes because of the
shared characteristic that is shared with other members of this
genus which is that it consumes wood (Braummer and Scheffrahn 2001).
Species: cavifrons
This termite got its species name because of a
physical feature apparent on the front of this organism’s head. This
identifying feature that sets it apart from others is the presence
of a substantial groove or indentation that has a circular
appearance (Baummer and Schffrahn 2001)