After 3 to 5 years, how many termites are typically found in a mature colony?

A mature termite colony can have a significant population that typically ranges from 60,000 to over 100,000 individuals after 3 to 5 years of development. The choice of 60,000 as the correct answer is grounded in research about the growth and structure of termite colonies, particularly those of the eastern subterranean termites, which are prevalent in North Carolina.

In the early stages, a termite colony starts small but can grow rapidly due to the queen's prolific egg-laying capabilities. By the time a colony reaches a mature stage, it has developed various castes, including workers, soldiers, and reproductive members. This diversity within the colony supports its survival and productivity, allowing it to expand its numbers quite significantly within just a few years.

While populations can indeed reach higher numbers, such as 100,000, the figure of 60,000 is often cited to reflect a common average found in mature colonies around that age, making it a reliable reference for understanding termite population dynamics.