1 Chapter 1: Introduction and Problem Statement Bees Are Critical to The
1 Chapter 1: Introduction and Problem Statement Bees are critical to the stability and persistence of many ecosystems, and therefore, must be understood and protected (Allen-Wardell et al., 1998; Kearns, Inouye & Waser, 1998; Michener, 2000; Cane, 2001; Kremen, Williams & Thorp, 2002; LeBuhn, Droege & Carboni, in press). Their pollination services are responsible for global biodiversity and maintenance of human food supplies (Allen-Wardell et al., 1998; Kearns et al., 1998; Michener, 2000; Kremen et al., 2002). Over the past two decades, bees have received increased attention by the scientific community because of population declines (Allen-Wardell et al., 1998; Kearns et al., 1998). Scientific research has focused primarily on honey bee ( Apis mellifera ) declines because this species is the most commonly used pollinator in United States agriculture, but significant declines have also occurred in native bees (Kevan and Phillips, 2001; Allen-Wardell et al., 1998). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Bee Research Laboratory has charted a 25% decline in managed honey bee colonies since the 1980s (Greer, 1999). Estimates on native bee declines, on the other hand, are disputed and vary (Williams, Minckley & Silveira, 2001). Nonetheless, increased anthropogenic effects and exotic pests are impacting global bee populations (Kim, Williams & Kremen, 2006). The specific consequences of the bee population decline on our food supply and global biodiversity remain to be seen, but the effects will inevitably be negative (Allen- Wardell et al., 1998). Fears of food, economic and biological losses have provoked a surge of scientific literature that examines the associated problems. Recent advancements in geography and landscape ecology suggest that landscape composition and pattern are critical to population dynamics (Turner, Gardner & O’Neill, 2001).
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