What is Pollination?
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part of the flower, the anther, to the stigma, which is the female part of the flower. After the bee transfers the pollen, a plant’s seed, nut, or fruit is then formed.
Bees’ effect on our diet
Bees are responsible for around one third of the food we eat. The most nutritious crops in our diet, along with crops used in meat and dairy production would be affected by a decline in bees.
Examples of foods that wouldn’t exist without bees:
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Cantaloupes
- Cucumbers
- Pumpkins
- Blueberries
- Watermelons
- Almonds
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Cherries
- Honey
By keeping flowers pollinated, bees not only help provide us with food, they help plants and flowers grow and provide attractive habitats for other animals such as insects and birds.
Besides pollinating crops for human consumption, bees also play a huge role in our economy, producing approximately $19 billion worth of agricultural crops in the U.S. alone in 2010. Humans are also quite fond of honey – the 2013 honey crop was valued at $317.1 million.
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