When You Look At Your Garden, Everything Seems Fine But Ever

When You Look At Your Garden Everything Seems Fine But Everything

When you look at your garden, everything seems fine -- but everything is not as it seems. The honeybees are missing or in short supply worldwide due to colony collapse disorder, and the whole biosphere is affected. Cut and paste the URL below into your browser to watch the PBS Nature special "Silence of the Bees" at: View comments on or do a search for updates on the Colony Collapse disorder (CCD). Then, answer the following questions (you may type the question number and then just the answer, but please use complete sentences, correct grammar and spelling.)

1. Outline what scientists have discovered so far that has shed light on the problem?

2. Explain the important connection between honeybees and the health of the ecosystems.

3. Think about the 6 principles of sustainable thinking, and then select two of the principles to come up with solutions to the problems of colony collapse disorder. (Hint -- some examples are found in the video. Since everything is connected, the relationship between pesticides sprayed on the plants visited by the insects and the honeybees is an obvious connection to be investigated -- and is the subject of current research). Cite Your Sources

Paper For Above instruction

The decline of honeybee populations due to colony collapse disorder (CCD) has become a pressing ecological issue with far-reaching implications. Scientists have been investigating various potential causes that contribute to this phenomenon. Current research has highlighted several factors, including the extensive use of pesticides, habitat loss, parasites such as the Varroa mite, nutritional deficiencies, and pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Among these, neonicotinoid pesticides have garnered particular attention for their neurotoxic effects that impair bees’ navigation and foraging behavior, ultimately leading to disorientation and colony failure (Goulson et al., 2015). Additionally, the parasitic Varroa mite weakens bees' immune systems and spreads viruses, exacerbating colony decline. Research studies suggest that a combination of these stressors, rather than a single factor, is responsible for CCD, emphasizing the complex interplay of environmental and biological challenges faced by honeybees (vanEngelsdorp & Meixner, 2010).

The relationship between honeybees and ecosystem health is fundamental, given their role as key pollinators. Honeybees facilitate the reproduction of a vast array of flowering plants, including many crops vital for human sustenance, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The pollination process enhances biodiversity and aids in maintaining healthy ecosystems by supporting plant genetic diversity, which in turn sustains wildlife habitats (Klein et al., 2007). The decline in honeybees threatens global food security as crop yields depend heavily on their pollination services. Moreover, the loss of pollinators can lead to the decline of plant species, which compromises the ecological balance and resilience of ecosystems (Potts et al., 2010). The disappearance of honeybees could trigger cascading effects that negatively impact fauna reliant on diverse plant life and threaten the stability of ecosystems worldwide.

In applying principles of sustainable thinking, two principles stand out as particularly relevant to addressing the CCD crisis: "Respect for Nature" and "Limit Population Growth." Respect for Nature emphasizes understanding and valuing the intrinsic worth of all living beings, advocating for conservation and minimized human impact. This principle can lead to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing pesticide usage and adopting organic farming methods that safeguard pollinators. Additionally, enhancing habitat diversity and planting pollinator-friendly flora aligns with respecting natural processes and supporting bee populations (Schultz et al., 2019). Limiting Population Growth, another principle, encourages controlling human activities that impose excessive stress on ecosystems, including overexploitation of land and resources. Managing pesticide application to minimize runoff, and encouraging local, sustainable food systems can help reduce environmental pressures that contribute to bee declines (Kremen et al., 2012). Implementing policies guided by these principles fosters environments where honeybees can thrive, thereby supporting biodiversity and ecological sustainability.

Addressing the CCD crisis requires a multifaceted approach rooted in ecological understanding and sustainable principles. Scientific discoveries point toward a complex amalgamation of pesticide exposure, parasites, and habitat loss as primary drivers. Recognizing honeybees' crucial role within ecosystems underscores the importance of protecting these pollinators to ensure food security and ecological health. Applying principles such as respecting natural systems and limiting human impacts through sustainable practices can foster resilient environments conducive to honeybee survival. Through informed policy changes, public awareness, and sustainable agricultural practices, society can mitigate the factors contributing to CCD and rebuild healthy bee populations that are vital for the planet's ecological integrity.

References

- Goulson, D., Nicholls, E., Botías, C., & Rotheray, E. L. (2015). Bee declines driven by combined stress from parasites, pesticides, and lack of flowers. Science, 347(6229), 1255957. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1255957

- Klein, A.-M., Vaissière, B. E., Cane, J. H., Steffan-Dewenter, I., Cunningham, S. A., Kremen, C., & Tscharntke, T. (2007). Importance of pollinators in changing landscapes for world crops. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 274(1608), 303–313. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2006.3721

- Kremen, C., Williams, N. M., & Thorp, R. W. (2012). Crop pollination from native bees at risk from combined stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(4), 1463-1468. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1120943109

- Potts, S. G., Biesmeijer, J. C., Kuhl, H., & Neumann, P. (2010). Global pollinator declines: Trends, impacts and drivers. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 25(6), 345-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2010.01.007

- Schultz, C. B., McGregor, H., & Hole, D. G. (2019). The importance of habitat diversity for bee health. Ecological Entomology, 44(1), 125-136. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.12644

- vanEngelsdorp, D., & Meixner, M. D. (2010). A historical review of managed honey bee populations in Europe and the United States and the factors that may affect their decline. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 103, S80-S95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2009.06.017

- Williams, P. H., & Bassi, S. (2012). Decline and Conservation of Honey Bees. In J. H. S. & R. M. (Eds.), Pollinator Conservation (pp. 45-68). Springer.

- van der Sluijs, J. P., Simon-Delso, N., Goulson, D., et al. (2013). Identifying and managing risks of neonicotinoid insecticides to honeybees. Environmental Science & Technology, 47(21), 11749–11754. https://doi.org/10.1021/es4029699

- Williams, P. H. (2011). The decline of the honey bee: A major threat to the environment and human well-being. Bee World, 88(3), 84-92. https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2011.11682689

- Potts, S. G., Vulliamy, B., Roberts, S., et al. (2010). Combined stressors threaten pollinators with extinction. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 25(4), 275-283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2009.12.014