Bees Affected by Microplastic Pollution

1. Recent research highlights that microplastic pollution is emerging as a serious threat to pollinators like bees and bumblebees.
2. These microplastics can disrupt their foraging behavior, reducing their efficiency in gathering nectar and pollen.
3. As a result, their pollination capabilities are compromised, potentially impacting plant reproduction and food security.

Where are bees found?

1. Wild bee species are incredibly diverse and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
2. Their wide distribution reflects their critical role in maintaining ecological balance across various ecosystems.

What are the unique features of bees?

1. Among bees, only the females possess stingers, which are actually modified ovipositors—organs originally evolved for egg-laying.
2. Bees rely entirely on flowering plants for nutrition, feeding on sugary nectar for energy and protein-rich pollen for growth.
3. This specialized diet supports their role as key pollinators in nature.

How important are bees in pollination?

1. Bees are essential to ecosystems, as they pollinate nearly 80% of all flowering plant species.
2. This includes many agricultural crops, making them vital for food production and biodiversity conservation.

The decline in bee populations due to pollution and habitat loss poses a serious threat to global food systems.