What is happening to the bumblebees?
There has been a rise in temperatures across the world due to climate change and global warming. Bumblebees are under serious threat because of the heat!
A study states that heat is the reason for the decrease in bumblebee population.
The heat is preventing bumblebees from building livable nests, inside which healthy larvae can grow.
What does the research say?
Dr. Peter Kevan from Canada, who led the study, reported that young bumblebees are very sensitive to heat, although bumblebees are known for their ability to control body temperature.
If the nest gets too hot, it can be dangerous for them and cause death. In hot conditions, the worker bees often gather around to fan the hive.
The research team discovered the temperature range for incubating nests was between 28-32 degrees Celsius.
One bumblebee might be able to handle heat better than another, but if the nest gets too hot for the healthy development of larvae, the entire colony suffers.
Importance of Bumblebees.
Bumblebees play an important role in pollination and are responsible for 97% of wildflower pollination.
Their help maintains the ecosystem's structure and function. They also help carry out plant reproduction which provides food and habitat for other living organisms.
