Bees and Humans have many similarities with one another. One of the biggest similarities is that bees and humans live in large structured societies, and within these societies bees have specific task that need to be done in order for the hive to survive. For example; some bees stay in the hive to nurture the eggs and larva, and help raise young bees. Other bees go outside the hive to look for food [7].
New studies have found that just like humans, bees have different personalities as well, and base on these bees can choose what job best suit them. "Researchers in the U.S have worked out that some of them are thrill-seekers whereas others opt for a more cautious, risk-averse attitude to life" [8]. According to the research thrill-seekers bees are born that way, and show similar genes traits to those of risk-taking people [8].
Bees in Agriculture
Bees play and important role in agriculture, the value of bee pollination in U.S. agriculture is more than $14 billion annually [9]. Bees are the major pollinators of many of our crops, and it is estimated that bees do 80% of the pollination work [10]. If bees were to disappear, we would have a very difficult time pollinating our own crops, leading to a low production, perhaps not enough to feed our families the way we do today.
Bees are not only important for their pollination work, but they are also important for their ability to produce honey. In 2002, honey was produced at a value of more than $130 million in the United Stated [9]. Honey is a vital product for in our economy and we humans depend on it. We use honey as a sweetener, for energy source (calories), as a source for vitamins and minerals (Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron), for medicinal purposes, and even skin and beauty products [11]. Although honey production was up 19.3% from 2013, the number of colonies are decreasing. The colony losses have averaged about 30 percent for the several year [12].
Honeybees are very important for society and loosing them can be very devastating for humans, so next time you encounter one make sure to be thankful for all the work they do.
New studies have found that just like humans, bees have different personalities as well, and base on these bees can choose what job best suit them. "Researchers in the U.S have worked out that some of them are thrill-seekers whereas others opt for a more cautious, risk-averse attitude to life" [8]. According to the research thrill-seekers bees are born that way, and show similar genes traits to those of risk-taking people [8].
Bees in Agriculture
Bees play and important role in agriculture, the value of bee pollination in U.S. agriculture is more than $14 billion annually [9]. Bees are the major pollinators of many of our crops, and it is estimated that bees do 80% of the pollination work [10]. If bees were to disappear, we would have a very difficult time pollinating our own crops, leading to a low production, perhaps not enough to feed our families the way we do today.
Bees are not only important for their pollination work, but they are also important for their ability to produce honey. In 2002, honey was produced at a value of more than $130 million in the United Stated [9]. Honey is a vital product for in our economy and we humans depend on it. We use honey as a sweetener, for energy source (calories), as a source for vitamins and minerals (Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron), for medicinal purposes, and even skin and beauty products [11]. Although honey production was up 19.3% from 2013, the number of colonies are decreasing. The colony losses have averaged about 30 percent for the several year [12].
Honeybees are very important for society and loosing them can be very devastating for humans, so next time you encounter one make sure to be thankful for all the work they do.