Whose study first revealed that termites build towering mounds with internal climate control?

Termite mounds became a classic subject in ecology because scientists discovered that they function like natural ventilation systems. Studies of mound-building termites, especially in Africa, showed that the architecture helps regulate heat, humidity, and gas exchange. This allows fungi-growing and soil-dwelling termites to maintain stable nest conditions even in extreme climates. The work inspired biomimicry research in building design and passive cooling. It remains one of the best-known examples of insect engineering.