| Line 3: |
Line 3: |
| | | | |
| | ==Bee genetics== | | ==Bee genetics== |
| − |
| |
| | Unfertilized eggs laid by a queen bee contain 50% of her [[gene]]s in different combinations. These eggs develop into male bees (drones) that have one copy of each [[chromosome]]. All [[sperm]] produced by a drone are identical [[clone]]s. | | Unfertilized eggs laid by a queen bee contain 50% of her [[gene]]s in different combinations. These eggs develop into male bees (drones) that have one copy of each [[chromosome]]. All [[sperm]] produced by a drone are identical [[clone]]s. |
| | | | |
| Line 13: |
Line 12: |
| | | | |
| | ==Bee Decline== | | ==Bee Decline== |
| | + | [[Albert Einstein]] wrote, "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left." <ref>[http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=38449 Einstein warned of bee deaths] Free Market News, April 11, 2007</ref> Because of their vital role as pollinators, bees are responsible for 15 to 30 percent of the food U.S. consumers eat. However, in recent years there has been a steep decline in the population of bees, and some scientists claim that unless this is arrested the supply of some fruits and vegetables may also decline.<ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/10/1005_041005_honeybees.html</ref> |
| | | | |
| − | [[Albert Einstein]] wrote, "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left." <ref>[http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=38449 Einstein warned of bee deaths] Free Market News, April 11, 2007</ref> Because of their vital role as pollinators, bees are responsible for 15 to 30 percent of the food U.S. consumers eat. However, in recent years there has been a steep decline in the population of bees, and some scientists claim that unless this is arrested the supply of some fruits and vegetables may also decline. <ref> http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/10/1005_041005_honeybees.html </ref>
| + | This decline is considered to be the result of diseases such as the varroa mite and other parasites, and the widespread practice of spraying crops with pesticides. Some [[liberal]] [[activist]]s have asserted that the increased use of genetically modified crops may have a role to play, but the evidence for that is not there. Another theory, cellular phone signals may be interfering with bee populations.<ref>[http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/cell_phones_bees.html Cell Phones Linked to Bee Decline] Consumer Reports, April 16, 2007</ref> |
| − | | + | [[File:Bee bonnets.jpg|thumbnail|center|400px|Bee keeping bonnet.]] |
| − | This decline is considered to be the result of diseases such as the varroa mite and other parasites, and the widespread practice of spraying crops with pesticides. Some [[liberal]] [[activist]]s have asserted that the increased use of genetically modified crops may have a role to play, but the evidence for that is not there. Another theory, cellular phone signals may be interfering with bee populations. <ref>[http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/cell_phones_bees.html Cell Phones Linked to Bee Decline] Consumer Reports, April 16, 2007 </ref> | + | {{Clear}} |
| | | | |
| | ==References== | | ==References== |
| − | <references/>
| + | {{reflist}} |
| | | | |
| | + | == External links == |
| | + | *[https://creation.com/bee-postman The bee and the postman] by [[Creation Ministries International]] |
| | | | |
| | [[Category:Insects]] | | [[Category:Insects]] |
| | + | [[Category:Gardening Glossary]] |
| | + | [[Category:Permaculture]] |