Phylogenetic relationship of the termite genera of the subfamily Nasutitermitinae (Isoptera : Termitidae)

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Abstract
The phylogeny of the genera of the subfamily Nasutitermitinae is discussed. The closest ally of Nasutitermitinae seems to be Macrotermitinae, the fungus cultivating termites. On the basis of structures of imago-worker mandibles, a diphyletic evolution of the genera of Nasutitermitinae from the primitive genus Syntermes is suggested. One phyletic line is represented by the Procorniterms and another by the genus Paracornitermes. The evolutionary trends in mandibles of soldiers and imago-workers in each subdivision are discussed. Procornitermes main branch and Paracornitermes main branch are divided into three and two subsidiary branches respectively. The study has revealed some evolutionary factors such as conservatism, regressive evolution, parallel and convergent evolution and atavism which are discussed. A list of characters showing phylogenetic advance is given.