Honey bees; how much longer till they become extinct?

Question

Also, why do you think they're disappearing?

Answer 1

Not sure when or if they will become extinct however I am aware of the problem honeybees face. In my opinion honeybees numbers are rapidly depleting due to environmental changes and genetically modified crops.

Answer 2

they are?! aww. i think their kinda cute.

Answer 3

Difficult to say, insect experts say there is some unexplainable "plague" that is killing the bees however they have absolutely no way to explain what it is, some claim it could be natural, just as any type of animals can be affected by a plague.

However its equally possible that other factors could be responsible, higher general levels of toxins such as insecticides and chemically engineered fertilisers might also be to blame.

I doubt they will ever go extinct, if this problem persists the gorvernment will no doubt up funding to save them as they are a crucial part of all our eco systems.

Answer 4

Several honey bee species are already extinct.  According to most experts, their current disappearance is caused predominately by Mites.  Because Mite treatment is available to cultivated bees but not wild bees, Wild honeybees will be extinct in the next 50 or so years (according to some projections sooner) but with the enthusiastic attempts by keepers, cultivated bees will last for a while, especially with the new adaptations being made by some keepers.  However that being said, for a species that has been around for an estimated 200 million years,  I doubt we can keep them going without something happening to the mites.