Global warming, along with human activities, is severely affecting the ecosystem. As a result, many species of animals have disappeared, and some are near extinction. The latest study, released in the Journal Science on Thursday, highlights a similar tale. As per the trial, intense temperatures are resulting in a drastic reduction in the number of bumblebees across North America and Europe. Scientists have analyzed around half a million records revealing the regions the existence of 66 different species of bumblebees since 1901. They have assessed regions like North America, where the bumblebees have had resided previously. As a result, they have discovered that only half of the bees exist present day.
Bumblebees play a crucial role in the fertilization of crops, particularly in the pollination process of tomatoes, berries, and squash. According to scientists, they have noticed a massive drop in Mexico, where bumblebees have had lived in the bounty. Well, colossal heat events can strain both the bees as well as the flower on which the tiny creatures depend. The trial indicates the probability of survival of a bumblebee community in any given region has decreased by 30%. Notably, it is a result of a single human generation period. The scientists say the rates of reduction seem to be stable from mass extinction.
The leading author of the trial, Peter Soroye, said they had noticed a fall in bee populations in regions where the temperatures had become hotter. He added if the drop continues at this speed, many of these species could fade away in the upcoming years. During the trial, the researchers have used data gathered over 115 years. They have observed how bumblebee populations had transformed over the years by equating the current and previous number of insects.
Dr. Tim Newbold, a co-author of the study, said the impact of climate change on bumblebees had surprised them. Their findings reveal massive declines are probably if climate change speeds up in the upcoming years, exhibiting that efforts are essential to lessen climate transformation in order to reserve bumblebee diversity. The researchers say their prototype could be useful to estimate the risk of extinction. Even more, the technique can assist in spotting the regions where conservation efforts are essential.
