What factors contribute to colony collapse disorder (CCD)?

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is a complex phenomenon that affects honeybee populations and is influenced by multiple interrelated factors. The correct choice identifies pesticides, parasites, and environmental stressors as key contributors to CCD.

Pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids and other systemic insecticides, have been shown to have detrimental effects on bees, impairing their foraging behavior, navigation, and overall health. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to impaired immune systems, making bees more susceptible to diseases and environmental stressors.

Parasites, such as the Varroa destructor mite, play a significant role in the decline of honeybee populations. This mite attaches to bees and feeds on their bodily fluids, weakening individual bees and the entire colony. The Varroa mite also transmits viruses, exacerbating the problem.

Environmental stressors, including changes in habitat and food availability due to urbanization and agricultural practices, can also contribute to CCD. Bees rely on a diverse range of flowers for nutrition, and when these are diminished, it leads to poor health and increased vulnerability to disease and pests.

In contrast, factors such as climate change and habitat loss, while impactful on bee health, primarily relate to broader ecosystem challenges rather than the specific mechanisms involved in