The role of bees in ecosystems
The honey bee (Apis melifers) influences ecological relationships and the stability of plant species. Through pollination, the genetic variability and stability of plant evolution is guaranteed. During pollination, pollen grains are transferred from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma, which creates offspring for the next generation. Plants create offspring by making seeds that contain the genetic information to produce a new plant. (USDA Department of Agriculture) In forest ecosystems, many species of plants and animals would be extinct if it were not for the role of the bees and other pollinating insects in the seed, nut, berry and fruit production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the honeybee pollinates 80 percent of our flowering crops, which constitute 1/3 of everything we eat.
Some species of animals eat bee brood (egg, larva, pupa) of bees, or the honey, pollen or wax that the bees produce. The size, hairiness, speed, longevity, flight range, cold tolerance, flower handling ability and season all create an opportunity for a critical match between the bee species and its host. A maladapted pollinator can even cause species destruction. (BATRA, 1995)
There are three types of bees that reside in a beehive. These are the queen, the worker bee and the male bee. Each plays a significant role in the hive and in the ecosystem in which the hive resides. The worker bee is the only bee that will perform pollination duties.
References
Batra, SWT. Bees and pollination in our changing environment. Apidologie vol.26 Issue 5 1995. P. 361 -370
Bees in Place 