How does a termite colony communicate and coordinate activities?

Termite colonies primarily utilize pheromones and vibrations for communication and coordinating activities. Pheromones are chemical signals that termites release to convey information regarding food sources, colony status, alarm warnings, and reproductive cues. These chemical signals are highly effective and can travel significant distances, allowing for widespread communication among colony members.

In addition to pheromones, termites also use vibrations as a means of communication. They can tap on wood or the ground to send vibrational signals, which can alert other termites to specific situations, such as the presence of a threat or the need to work on nest maintenance.

The other choices, which suggest communication methods like visual signals, sound, or physical contact alone, do not encompass the full range of communication mechanisms that termites use. Termites rely primarily on chemical and vibrational signals, making the answer regarding pheromones and vibrations the most accurate depiction of their communication methods.