Bees in the Park

Burkman, Peggy

Bees are the main pollinators in most areas and thus play a major role in the functioning of ecosystems. Pollinators transfer male plant parts from one flower to another and assist in plant reproduction which allows development of fruits and seeds. Because bees move between many flowers they also help increase genetic diversity. Honey bees for example can visit 50 to 100 flowers during a single nectar collection trip. Estimates are that a third of the food we eat, especially fruits and vegetables, are dependent upon pollinators. People also use plants for clothing, medicines, shelter, and enjoy their beauty. Annual economic contributions of bees include more than $15 billion in crop pollination services, and $150 million in honey production. In addition, ninety percent of wild plants thrive because of pollinators suggesting that bee declines can cause serious ecological problems.