Bumble Bees

[the maple epee]

Originally Posted by Miglin

I would argue that man's greatest asset is his ability to shape nature in whatever way befits him.

It will ultimitely be the downfall of him.

[RPI Epeeist]

Man's ability to shape nature as he sees fit, at least according to Hollywood, usually results in Zombies or the Ice Age.

I vote NO to Zombies AND Ice Ages.

[Inquartata]

Originally Posted by the maple epee

It will ultimitely be the downfall of him.

Unless he gets off this planet and onto others first.

[academe]

Originally Posted by Beloit Fencer of Old

Uh...I'm not a biologist, but I don't think the pollen is necessary for bees to survive...I think it's the nectar they take...the pollen is just along for the ride.

Try The Biology of Honeybees for a little background on this. Pollen is necessary for bees and is used in a variety of ways, most notably supplying protein and necessary amino acids.

The coevolution of plants and pollinators like bees is an essential part of our planet's ecology. It is important to realize that the Earth is a system, and any breakdown in components of the system can lead to breakdown in other parts of the system. Nothing exists in isolation. A collapse of pollinators like bees, as some are worried about, will have repercussions far beyond your stuffy nose and runny eyes.

A very readable book on the importance of pollinators (not just bees) is Forgotten Pollinators (by Gary Nabhan with Stephen Buchmann). Nabhan is one of the best nature writers around making sense out of science, especially conservation science, like few others.