The continued decline of bees in the United States is most likely due to __________.

• A. a combination of habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change
• B. increased genetic diversity among bee populations
• C. the natural aging process of individual bees
• D. overproduction of honey by commercial beekeepers

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the problem: The question is asking about the primary factors contributing to the decline of bee populations in the United States. This requires knowledge of environmental biology and the challenges faced by pollinators like bees.
2. Analyze the options: Review each provided answer choice and evaluate its relevance to the decline of bee populations. For example, consider whether increased genetic diversity, natural aging, or overproduction of honey are scientifically supported causes of population decline.
3. Recall key concepts: Bees face multiple stressors, including habitat loss (due to urbanization and agriculture), pesticide exposure (which can harm their nervous systems), diseases (such as those caused by mites or pathogens), and climate change (which affects flowering patterns and food availability). These factors often work together to exacerbate the decline.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Increased genetic diversity is generally beneficial for populations, not a cause of decline. The natural aging process is a normal biological phenomenon and does not explain population-level declines. Overproduction of honey by commercial beekeepers is not a documented cause of bee population decline.
5. Select the best answer: Based on the analysis, the most likely cause of the decline is a combination of habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change, as these are well-documented and supported by scientific research.