Honeybee Conservation and Colony Collapse

Honeybees, originally from Africa, are vital for pollination and have been domesticated for honey and wax production. They play a crucial role in pollinating gardens, including those at the Smithsonian. However, honeybee populations are declining due to colony collapse disorder, linked to bacteria and fungus. Home gardeners can aid honeybees by planting diverse flowering plants.

Where did honeybees originally come from?

• Asia

• Europe

• Africa

• Australia

What is one of the main purposes of domesticating honeybees?

• To produce silk

• To produce honey

• To produce cotton

• To produce rubber

How do the bees in the museum access the gardens for pollination?

• By being transported manually

• By flying over the walls

• Through a tube leading out the window

• Through a tunnel under the ground

What is the economic contribution of bees in the United States?

• Pollinating billions of dollars worth of flowers and crops

• Producing millions of dollars worth of honey

• Providing wax for industrial use

• Supporting the silk industry

What is colony collapse disorder?

• A disease affecting bee larvae

• A sudden decline in bee populations

• A type of bee migration

• A method of bee breeding

What combination of factors is believed to contribute to colony collapse disorder?

• A fungus and a pesticide

• A pesticide and a virus

• A bacteria and a fungus

• A virus and a parasite

What can home gardeners do to support honeybee populations?

• Avoid planting any flowers

• Plant a variety of flowering plants

• Use chemical pesticides

• Plant only grass

Which of the following plants is NOT mentioned as beneficial for bees?

• Mints

• Roses

• Milkweeds

• Sunflowers