African termites' engineering is quite impressive as well. Their mound is a giant, self-cooling fungus farm! It was a source of inspiration for biomimetic architecture. You can read about it here: http://inhabitat.com/building-modelled-on-termites-eastgate-...
The termite's task in temperature regulation almost seems impossibly difficult. You would need an extremely well educated and specialized human to develop something to match what they've done.
On the other hand, HVAC (I mean, that's what it is right?) must confer a huge advantage, even in its relatively early and primitive stages. You probably save loads of energy with even a degree in the right direction, especially when you're raising lots of larvae.
Like the first critter to evolve a couple of photosensitive cells, it seems like a minute thing, but telling dark from light can be a huge leg up. Now we look at complex eye structures and are amazed, but of course they were once eye spots.
I suspect that it might be the same with the termites, who have after all had a long time, and uncountable generations to select for these traits.
