What factors can contribute to colony collapse disorder?

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a complex phenomenon characterized by the sudden disappearance of a honeybee colony's worker bees, leaving behind the queen, food, and a few nurse bees. The correct response highlights several significant factors that have been identified in research and studies related to CCD.

Pesticide exposure poses a substantial risk to bees, as certain chemicals can impair their ability to navigate, forage, and reproduce. Diseases, including those caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can seriously weaken bee colonies and contribute to their decline. Nutrition is another critical factor; honeybees require a diverse diet that can only be attained through access to various flowering plants. The loss of appropriate foraging habitats due to agriculture and urbanization limits their food sources, thereby impacting their health and productivity.

In contrast, while excessive honey production might indicate a well-functioning colony, it does not contribute to colony collapse but rather suggests good management practices. Overcrowding in the hive can lead to swarming, which is a natural reproductive process rather than a direct cause of colony collapse. Seasonal temperature changes may affect bee behavior and foraging patterns, but they are not recognized as primary contributors to CCD. Therefore, the multifaceted impact of pesticides, diseases, nutrition, and