There has been a lot of talk about bees in the news over the past couple of years, thanks to their dwindling populations across the globe. In fact, it’s become commonplace to see “save the bees” movements popping up and everyday people doing their part to hopefully encourage the population to grow. But do the bees deserve all the concern and attention? What exactly makes them so important to the environment?
Here’s a closer look at what bees do, not just for the environment but for people, and why it’s so important that they are protected.
Bees are Responsible for Pollination
All you have to do is think back to your school days when you learned about pollination and the important role it plays in the plant life cycle. Now think about all your favorite crops that you love to eat such as strawberries, apples, blueberries, melons, asparagus, tomatoes, and more.
Who do you think is responsible for moving the pollen from the male to the female part of the flower, a process called germination? Well, that is the worker bees, of course. As they work to locate nectar in flowers, they are leaving behind small amounts of pollen on the surface. This pollen is what then makes it possible for the plans to grow into those crops we all depend on and love so much.
Without the bees pollinating the crops, it would be impossible to grow the amount of crops needed. In fact, they are responsible for pollinating not just millions but billions of crops each and every year. It's a staggering thought.
Animals Depend on the Crops Too
Just as humans depend on the crops that grow thanks to bees, wildlife is in the same boat. There are plenty of animals and even insects that depend on the crops that bees are pollinating all around the world. Without that pollination, the food source would dry up and millions of species would be at risk of extinction.
Wild Plant Life Prospers Thanks to Bees
Then there are the millions of wild plants that grow thanks to bees. These plants act as a food source for animals and insects, as mentioned above, and they also add to the biodiversity of the world, which needs to be kept in a state of delicate balance.
What About Honey?
For anyone who is a fan of honey, bees clearly play an important role in ensuring you get you a fair share of the tasty treat. And honey isn't just a tasty sweetener - it also has a number of proven health benefits such as the fact it's high in antioxidants. It can help to lower blood pressure, it is healthier than refined white sugar, it can heal wounds and burns, it can improve a person's cholesterol levels, and it helps with coughs and so much more.
Bees Need Our Protection
At the end of the day, it is up to humans to ensure that these very important and vital creatures get the protection they need. It’s not just about preserving the bee colonies - it’s about preserving the environment as we know it.
Hope you enjoyed our article.
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