True or False: In dampwood colonies, nymphs perform the work instead of a worker caste.

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In dampwood colonies, nymphs indeed take on the roles typically associated with a worker caste in other social insects. This is distinctive to dampwood termites, where nymphs, which are immature individuals, undertake tasks that are critical for colony maintenance, such as foraging and caring for the queen and larvae. This adaptation allows the colony to function without a defined worker caste, which is more common in other types of termite species.

The behavior of nymphs in this context is essential for the colony's survival and productivity, particularly in their specific ecological niches where they thrive on decayed wood in moist environments. Their ability to perform multiple roles emphasizes the flexible nature of social structures in different termite species. This behavior underlines a unique aspect of dampwood termite biology and social organization.

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