World Report: November 7, 1997 Vol.3 No.8

Termite Towers

Scientists thought pillars like this one in New Mexico were carved by wind and water. Turns out they are fossilized termite nests! Termites date back to the dinosaur era--220 million years ago. "They are the most developed architects of the insect kingdom," says expert Stephen Hasiotis, above. "The nests look like mini-fun houses."