One of the most important roles in terms of the continuity of life on Earth belongs to bees. Thanks to bees, flowers and trees continue to exist. On the other hand, bees are under increasing stress.
The reason for the stress problem experienced by bees is global warming and the resulting climate change. By comparing the changes in bees since the 1900s, the researchers revealed how serious the problem was.
The development of bees is seriously impaired
Imperial College London and the Natural History Museum have published the results of two different studies of bees. The first of these studies focused on examining the data collected on the body structure of bees since 1900. In the study, which used digital imaging techniques, it was revealed that the symmetry of the wings of the bees was disrupted due to stress.
In a study of bee species in England, it was revealed that the stress on bees has increased continuously since 1925. Moreover, this situation was observed more or less the same on all different bee varieties. In the article published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, it was stated that the asymmetry in the wings of bees reaches the highest level in years with higher average temperatures and more intense precipitation.
In another study, bee remains, which have been kept in museums since 130 years ago, were examined for DNA study. By taking a DNA sample from one of the bees’ legs, the scientists were able to identify a key gene for the studies. Studies on this gene have revealed that the genetic diversity of bees has decreased.
Scientists will now reveal with detailed analysis how bees are adapting (or not) to climate change. It is worth reminding once again that our species will not live long after the bees become extinct.
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