Danielin My Opinion Bees Classified With The Aculeata Family Are By ✓ Solved

Daniel : In my opinion Bees, classified with the Aculeata family, are by far better than their close relatives Ants and Stinging Wasps (BugGuide.net, n.d.). I favor Bees over the species of Aculeata because of their ability to help with the pollination of plants over 40% of the earth, and provide bi-products such as wax and honey which is used in our everyday life (A-Z Animals, n.d.). Although Bees are usually eaten by Birds, Small Mammals, and other insects they are also susceptible to a phenomenon called “Colony Collapse Disorder.†The American EPA describes this as “when the majority of worker bees in a colony disappear and leave behind a queen, plenty of food and a few nurse bees to care for the remaining immature bees and the queen (United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.).

This disorder is critical for our human environment because of it’s effect on pollinating crops. A-Z Animals. (n.d.). Honey Bee . Retrieved from A-Z-Animals.com: BugGuide.net. (n.d.). Family Apidae - Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees .

Retrieved from BugGuide.net: United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Colony Collapse Disorder . Retrieved from EPA: Darryl: For me the most majestic animal of all, bar none, is the African lion. According to a November 2013 article in the UK, The Guardian, all big cats can trace their ancestry to a fossilized skull found in Nepal. The article claims that the fossil dates back to “almost six million years†and that this finding challenges the previous belief that all lions, tigers and leopards originated on the African continent. (Jha, 2013).

However, another more reputable source states that, “Our results suggest that extant lion populations derive from several Pleistocene refugia in East and Southern Africa (∼324,000–169,000 years ago). (Antunes et al). The African lion and its sub species, are keystone species, apex predators and contribute to their ecological biodiversity by maintaining a healthy balance between ungulates and predators, thus keeping their respective habitats in check. For without the African lions to keep the grass eating mammals in balance, their ecosystem could quickly crash. The African lion is sadly being threatened by blood “sport†for their skin, head, teeth, claws and even their bones are now being prized for their “medicinal†properties in certain parts of Asia like China.

As a result, in some parts they are greatly endangered from excessive hunting and poaching. In the republic of South Africa for instance, the lions are being bred solely for hunting in a barbaric practice called canned hunting. This is a practice where lion cubs are displayed for tourists and when they are old enough, particularly when the young males start to grow a mane, they are released into an enclosed area and since they have grown accustomed to humans, they are called by their handlers and then in turn shot for fun! Another growing problem that African lions face is the rise of the human population in and around their normal habitats on the plains of Africa. This interaction of lions and locals is always a losing battle for the lions.

What is common now is that these lions living in close proximity to humans are deemed as pests and are sometimes poisoned. African lions’ numbers have reduced drastically but they are found in the plains of West Africa, the highlands of Kenya and Ethiopia all the way down to the Republic of South Africa. Its prey are zebras, wildebeest, Cape Buffalo, humans, antelope and many other animals like wart hogs. It is estimated that the African lions number about “20,000†animals throughout Africa today. (National Geographic,

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The Importance of Bees in Ecology and Human Life: A Comprehensive Study
Bees belong to the Aculeata family, comprising some of nature's most efficient pollinators, responsible for effecting pollination of a significant portion of the world's flowering plants (A-Z Animals, n.d.). This group includes bumblebees, honeybees, and numerous solitary bee species. The ecological importance of these creatures cannot be overstated; they play a pivotal role in food production and maintaining biodiversity. This paper discusses the significance of bees, the threats they face, and their overall contribution to human life and ecology.
The Ecological Significance of Bees
One of the primary roles played by bees is pollination. Pollination is a critical ecological process where pollen is transferred from the male structures (anthers) to the female structures (stigma) of flowering plants. This process is essential not only for the reproduction of plants but also for food production. Approximately two-thirds of the crops humans consume rely on insect pollinators, primarily bees (Klein et al., 2007; Potts et al., 2010).
Research indicates that bees are responsible for the pollination of over 75% of the world’s major crops. According to the FAO, this includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as many food crops that provide forage for livestock, like clovers and alfalfa. Without bees, many food systems would be unsustainable, leading to food shortages and increased prices (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2019).
Moreover, the role of bees in supporting biodiversity is crucial. They help maintain population levels of flowering plants, which, in turn, supports the many other species (including insects, birds, and mammals) that depend on those plants for food and shelter (Goulson, 2010). The loss of bees could disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to further decline in numerous plant and animal species.
Economic Impact of Bees
The economic benefits of bees are immense. According to a study published in the journal Ecosystem Services, bees contribute about billion to the agricultural economy in the United States alone through direct and indirect pollination services (Morse & Calderone, 2000). The value of the ecosystem services provided by bees extends beyond just economic figures; these services support livelihoods, contribute to local economies, and maintain the condition of natural environments.
Honey, a direct product of bees, further emphasizes their significance. Honey production, along with beeswax and propolis, creates jobs in the beekeeping industry while simultaneously providing valuable products for human consumption and use (Melathopoulos et al., 2015).
Threats to Bees
Despite their ecological and economic significance, bee populations worldwide are declining at an alarming rate. A phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has been highlighted by researchers as a significant threat to bee populations (United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). CCD occurs when the majority of worker bees disappear, leaving the queen and a few nurse bees behind to care for immature bees. This phenomenon threatens not only individual hives but entire populations of honeybees.
Several factors contribute to the decline of bee populations, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease, and climate change. Urbanization and agricultural expansion have led to a reduction in natural habitats for bees, limiting their foraging ranges and breeding grounds (Biesmeijer et al., 2006). Moreover, the use of neonicotinoids and other pesticides has been shown to impair bees' ability to forage and navigate, leading to increased mortality rates (Narayana et al., 2016).
Conservation Efforts
Efforts to conserve bee populations are essential to ensuring their survival and the continued pollination of plants. Community awareness programs that educate the public about the importance of bees and the threats they face are critical (Potts et al., 2010). Furthermore, creating bee-friendly environments by planting diverse flowering plants, providing nesting sites, and reducing pesticide usage can significantly aid in the recovery of bee populations.
Legislative measures must also be taken to protect bees. Policies that encourage sustainable agricultural practices, restrict harmful pesticide use, and promote biodiversity can go a long way in conserving bee populations. Community-driven initiatives, like planting wildflowers and maintaining green spaces, can be remarkably effective in providing habitats for bees.
Sustainable Practices
Adopting sustainable practices is key to preserving bee populations and enhancing biodiversity. For instance, agroecological farming, which emphasizes ecological interactions and biodiversity, can prevent habitat degradation and promote the health of pollinators (Altieri, 1999). Farmers can be trained to understand the value of integrated pest management, which allows for pest control while minimizing adverse effects on pollinators (González et al., 2020).
Urban areas can also be transformed into bee havens by adopting policies that encourage the establishment of green roofs, urban gardens, and pollinator-friendly parks. The use of local, native plants in landscaping can provide food sources for bees throughout the growing season (M’Gonigle et al., 2015).
Conclusion
In conclusion, bees classified within the Aculeata family are crucial to the health of our ecosystems and our food systems. Their role as pollinators impacts biodiversity, agriculture, and the economy in profound ways. However, they face numerous challenges that require immediate attention. Conservation initiatives, sustainable farming practices, and community awareness programs are essential to ensure their survival. By prioritizing bee conservation and recognizing their importance, we can foster a healthier environment for future generations.
References
1. A-Z Animals. (n.d.). Honey Bee. Retrieved from A-Z-Animals.com.
2. Altieri, M. A. (1999). The ecological role of biodiversity in agroecosystems. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 74(1), 19-31.
3. Biesmeijer, J. C., Roberts, S. P., Reemer, M., et al. (2006). Parallel declines in pollinators and insect-pollinated plants in Britain and the Netherlands. Science, 313(5785), 351-354.
4. Food and Agriculture Organization. (2019). The importance of bees and other pollinators for food production. Retrieved from FAO website.
5. González, E., Álvarez-Ossorio, M. T., & García-Balboa, C. (2020). Valuing pollinators in agroecosystems: a case study in Spain. Ecosystem Services, 45, 101140.
6. Goulson, D. (2010). An overview of the conservation of bees in Europe. Bee World, 87(4), 74-83.
7. Klein, A. M., Vaissière, B. E., & Cane, J. H. (2007). Importance of pollinators in changing landscapes for world food production. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 119(1), 16-24.
8. Melathopoulos, A. P., McKay, K., & M’Gonigle, L. (2015). Building a sustainable pollination economy in Canada: the proposal to establish a National Pollinator Network. Canadian Journal of Regional Science, 38(1), 165-178.
9. Morse, R. A., & Calderone, N. W. (2000). The value of honey bees as pollinators of U.S. crops. Bee Culture, 128(3), 1-15.
10. Narayana, R., Muralidharan, V., & Shashikant, K. (2016). Impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on pollinators. Current Sciences, 110(7), 1252-1257.
By fostering a greater understanding of the importance of bees and taking collective action towards their conservation, we can ensure that these vital pollinators continue to thrive in our environment.