Which of the following statements is true regarding termite colonies?

Termite colonies can indeed grow large enough to cause severe damage, which makes the chosen statement true. Termite colonies are composed of thousands of individual termites, including workers, soldiers, and reproductive members such as kings and queens. As these colonies expand, they consume more wood and structural materials, which can lead to significant structural damage in homes and buildings if left unchecked.

The growth of these colonies is not only a factor of their size but also of their longevity and reproductive capacity. A queen termite can lay thousands of eggs daily, allowing the colony to grow rapidly under the right conditions, particularly if there is a continuous source of wood or cellulose and adequate moisture.

Other statements presented do not hold true for termite colonies, as worker termites are just one part of the colony structure, moisture is essential for their survival and development, and many termites can live for several years, with some reproductive individuals living much longer. Thus, the understanding of termite colonies and their potential for damage is critical in pest management and prevention strategies.