Queen of the Sol

Henry Tran
Bursch
Honors Biology
4-15-13

Bee Essay

The bee is a very important factor in a plant-based ecosystem. Each and every single stripe of black and yellow has some form of contribution to the hive. The bee pollinates each plant, and produces useful honey and wax.  Provided the competence of the bee, it is commonly taken for granted because its swarming, intimidating appearance.  Dangerous toxins and poisons are one of the leading attributes killing the bees. Pesticides and fertilizers used on plants directly affect the bee.  We the people have been destroying the bee populations without even realizing it.
Many people in the world have forgotten the vitality of bees, and have mistaken them as an annoying, home-settling, useless hive that only endangers humans to toxic stings. However, the truth is, bees are nearly harmless and only retaliate when forced upon. They are overshadowed by lethal insects such as yellow jackets, and people go through unnecessary means to eliminate swarms and hives. This includes usages of pesticides and harmful, anti-environmental gases.
What people do not realize is how bees have not been appreciated. Due to lack of care and/or responsibility, bees have begun falling into Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD for short. CCD is caused by monoculture, neutralization by gasses, and constant transportation across thousands of miles. Bees are dying by the hive, and at least millions have already been lost.
To raise awareness, urban and rural people alike have taken interest to beekeeping. Citizens have demanded for beekeeping to be legal, and have started their own colonies, with the help of experts, in their backyards or on their rooftops.  People must realize that bees are in danger, and that they are to blame for.  Human interaction with bees have been excessive, but in the wrong way.  We are using the bees, instead cooperating with them.  Humans have to wake up and see that bees are really important, and must live harmoniously with us.