The Bees We Cannot Afford to Lose
Honeybees are among the most important animals on Earth, yet their populations have been declining at an alarming rate. Over the past two decades, beekeepers across North America have reported losing between 30 and 40 percent of their colonies every year. Scientists and farmers alike are worried, because without bees, the food system that billions of people depend on could collapse.
The reason bees matter so much comes down to pollination. When a bee visits a flower to collect nectar, it picks up tiny grains of pollen on its body. As it travels from flower to flower, it transfers that pollen, allowing plants to produce fruit and seeds. Roughly one-third of all the food humans eat — including apples, almonds, blueberries, and cucumbers — depends on this process. Without bees to pollinate crops, farmers would struggle to grow enough food, and prices for many fruits and vegetables would rise dramatically.
Several factors have contributed to the decline in bee populations. Pesticides used on farms can weaken bees' immune systems and impair their ability to navigate back to their hives. The destruction of wildflower meadows and natural habitats has reduced the variety of plants bees need to stay healthy. A parasite called the Varroa mite has also devastated colonies worldwide by feeding on bees and spreading viruses among them.
Fortunately, people can take action to help. Gardeners can plant bee-friendly flowers such as lavender, sunflowers, and clover. Farmers and governments can reduce pesticide use and protect natural habitats. Researchers are working to breed bee colonies that are more resistant to Varroa mites. Every small effort adds up, and scientists stress that protecting bees is not just about saving an insect — it is about preserving the health of the entire ecosystem.
— Original passage