ASPECTS OF THE CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION OF Trirervilermes geminatus WASMANN (ISOPTERA; MATERIAL
ASPECTS OF THE CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION OF Trirervilermes geminatus WASMANN (ISOPTERA; MATERIAL
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Date
1982-08
Authors
BAWO, AYOMIKE
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Abstract
This work was conducted with simples collected
from the University Farm, to study the chemical compositions
in Trirervilermes geminatus and the grass pieces in its
mound. The characteristics studied were percentages of
ash, organic matter, lipid, protein and carbohydrate and
also calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, Zinc,
cobalt and copper.
The percentage composition of ash in the feed represented
the highest recorded. This, however, did not
reflect directly on the concentration of mineral elements
in the feed, the highest concentrations occurring in the
worker caste, as a result of accumulation. The composition
of ash and the concentration of mineral element were
directly proportional, in the insect.
Ionic concentration was of two general patterns :-
K > Ca > Mg > P > Fe > Zn in the feed
and
K > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn in the insect except in the
reproductives where the most abundant element was phosphorus.
Zinc, was found to be more abundant in all the insect castes
than the feed,
Organic matter concentration was lowest in the feed, the high
value occurring in the minor soldiers, The feed also showed the leastcconcentration
of lipids, in the insects, the reproductives had the highest
values followed by the major soldiers, Crude protein was most
abundant in the reproductive and least in the feed. Second
highest values occurred in the workers and, then, the major
soldiers. Carbohydrate concentration was highest in the feed.
The minor soldiers had more carbohydrate than all other
castes. Major soldiers and workers came next, in that
order.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the decree of Master of Science in Zoology, submitted to
the Postgraduate School, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY,
ZARIA, NIGERIA
AUGUST, 1982
Keywords
ASPECTS,, CHEMICAL,, CONCENTRATION,, Trirervilermes geminatus,, WASMANN,, (ISOPTERA; MATERIAL.