Environment :: The Disappearing Honeybee

Do you run away when you hear a bee buzzing? Many people do. A bee sting hurts and some people are allergic to bee venom. But did you know that bees are very important to humans? Honeybees do more than just make honey. They fly around and pollinate flowers, plants, and trees. Our fruits, nuts, and vegetables rely on these pollinators. One third of America's food supply is pollinated by the honeybee.

1. Honeybees are very important because they produce honey and ...

Have you seen or heard a honeybee lately? Bees are mysteriously disappearing in many parts of the world. Most people don't know about this problem. It is called "colony collapse disorder" (CCD). Some North American beekeepers lost 80% of their hives from 2006-2008. Bees in Italy and Australia are disappearing too.

2. The problem of honeybees disappearing is called ...

3. According to the article, honeybees pollinate ... of America's food supply.

The disappearance of the honeybee is a serious problem. Can you imagine never eating another blueberry? What about almonds and cherries? Without honeybees food prices will skyrocket. The poorest people always suffer the worst when there is a lack of food.

4. If honeybees disappear due to CCD, food prices will ...

This problem affects other foods besides fresh produce. Imagine losing your favourite ice cream! Haagen Daaz is a famous ice cream company. Many of their flavours rely on the hard working honeybee. In 2008, Haagen Daaz began raising money for CCD. They also funded a garden at the University of California called The Haven. This garden helps raise awareness about the disappearing honeybee and teaches visitors how to plant for pollinators.

5. Haagen Daaz is worried about CCD because they flavour their ice creams with ...

6. What's the most important thing people can do to save the honeybee?

7. Scientists need to ... the causes of Colony Collapse Disorder.

8. One of the possible causes of CCD is the use of poisons called ...

9. Another way to help the honeybee is to ... about the problem.

Scientists know that bees are dying from a variety of factors—pesticides, drought, habitat destruction, nutrition deficit, air pollution, global warming and more. Many of these causes are interrelated.

10. Most of the causes with disappearing honeybees are related to ...