Where have all the bees gone?

Jessika Ziglar/04-11 12:00pm/Pollution

A University of Virginia study found that the decrease in the populations of pollinating insects, such as bees (especially in California and the Netherlands), may be attributed to air pollution from vehicles and power plants.

The extremely volatile fragrance molecules from flowers bond easily with pollutants like ozone, once this occurs the smell is destroyed, making it more difficult for the nectar-seeking insects to locate their food source. "The scent molecules produced by flowers in a less polluted environment, such as in the 1800s, could travel for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 meters; but in today's polluted environment downwind of major cites, they may travel only 200 to 300 meters," said Jose Fuentes, a professor of environmental sciences at the University of Virginia. The models used for the project found that the scent of flowers may be reduced by as much as 90% from pre-industrial levels.

The inability of insects to smell flowers' fragrances means they may have to rely more on sight to locate food which is more inefficient. And in a vicious cycle, the less pollinating insects, the fewer variation and proliferation of flowers. This will lead to even fewer flowers and therefore less food for already declining insect populations.

It seems horrible to imagine that the next generation may not be able to smell the flowery scent of spring and summer flowers or see bees and butterflies everywhere. The decrease of bee and butterfly populations is just another example of why reducing air pollution is important, not just for the health of wildlife and humans, but for aesthetic reasons. The world will be a much bleaker place without the simple pleasure of seeing wild flowers or catching butterflies.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080410170413.htm