What insect is the closest relative to a termite?

The closest relative to a termite is the cockroach. Both termites and cockroaches belong to the order Blattodea, which indicates a shared evolutionary history. This connection is significant because it highlights the similarities in their biological and behavioral characteristics, such as their body structure and social behaviors.

Termites, often recognized for their complex social structures and wood-digesting capabilities, have evolved from cockroach-like ancestors. Understanding this relationship sheds light on the adaptations that have allowed termites to thrive in their environments, such as their ability to break down cellulose from wood through the help of symbiotic microorganisms in their guts.

The other options, such as ants, flies, and beetles, belong to different orders. Ants, while also social insects, are part of Hymenoptera and have a distinct lineage. Flies are part of Diptera and exhibit very different characteristics, while beetles belong to Coleoptera, showcasing another diverse evolutionary path. Therefore, the closest relationship shared with termites is indeed with cockroaches, emphasizing their classification within the same order.