Experiments linking neonicotinoids and declining bee health have been criticized for not simulating realistic exposure. Here we quantified the duration and magnitude of neonicotinoid exposure in Canada's corn-growing regions and used these data to design realistic experiments to investigate the effect of such insecticides on honey bees. Colonies near corn were naturally exposed to neonicotinoids for up to 4 months - the majority of the honey bee's active season. Realistic experiments showed that neonicotinoids increased worker mortality and were associated with declines in social immunity and increased queenlessness over time. We also discovered that the acute toxicity of neonicotinoids to honey bees doubles in the presence of a commonly encountered fungicide. Our work demonstrates that field-realistic exposure to neonicotinoids can reduce honey bee health in corn-growing regions. Which of the following is a result of the study? Choose all that apply. Question 2 options: in soy-growing regions, fungicides increase the toxicity of neonicotinoids to honey bees The effect of neonicotinoids on honey bee health in the field is different than previous experimentation. Field-realistic experiments appear to align with previous experiments that link neonicotinoids to decreased honey bee health. Worker bee mortality was increased with chronic exposure to neonicotinoids
Chronic exposure to neonicotinoids reduces honey bee health near corn crops
Experiments linking neonicotinoids and declining bee health have been criticized for not simulating realistic exposure. Here we quantified the duration and magnitude of neonicotinoid exposure in Canada's corn-growing regions and used these data to design realistic experiments to investigate the effect of such insecticides on honey bees. Colonies near corn were naturally exposed to neonicotinoids for up to 4 months - the majority of the honey bee's active season.
Realistic experiments showed that neonicotinoids increased worker mortality and were associated with declines in social immunity and increased queenlessness over time. We also discovered that the acute toxicity of neonicotinoids to honey bees doubles in the presence of a commonly encountered fungicide. Our work demonstrates that field-realistic exposure to neonicotinoids can reduce honey bee health in corn-growing regions.
Which of the following is a result of the study? Choose all that apply.
Question 2 options:
|
|
in soy-growing regions, fungicides increase the toxicity of neonicotinoids to honey bees |
|
|
The effect of neonicotinoids on honey bee health in the field is different than previous experimentation. |
|
|
Field-realistic experiments appear to align with previous experiments that link neonicotinoids to decreased honey bee health. |
|
|
Worker bee mortality was increased with chronic exposure to neonicotinoids |
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps
