Many farmers in the United States rely on the honey bee to pollinate their crops. Over the past century, the honey bee population has been declining. In 1940, the number of bee colonies reached 5 million, but has since fallen to 2 million in 1989. This number never fully recovered, but made a small comeback to 2.5 million colonies. Many factors can contribute to colony loss, such as pests, diseases and insecticides. The article examines whether colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a growing problem or one that has gone unnoticed for years. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay Bees pollinate 95 different fruits and vegetables in the United States and are an important tool in agricultural practices. The 60% loss between 1940 and 1989 was mainly attributed to a parasite called the Varroa mite. It went unnoticed for almost 50 years and was finally noticed in 1987. By that time, the population had declined significantly. This does not appear to be a problem that only the United States faces. Many other countries around the world, especially in Europe, are facing a similar problem of disappearing colonies. Current losses are being studied using neonictinoids. Pesticides aren't exactly the only culprit. The article continues to suggest that the CCD problem is a multifactorial problem. Studies were then launched on the bees remaining in the colony after its collapse. Adult bees were found to contain a large number of pathogens. It is believed that these pathogens may be spread between hives through wax combs and beekeepers' equipment. The hypothesis was that these pathogens were a direct cause of CCD. When the group cited in the article tested the hypothesis, they found mixed results. Many different studies have been done with different universities on the cause of CCD. It is hypothesized that bees have a weakened immune system. The factor of a weak immune system with the lingering possibility of pathogens and a parasitic mite could all be linked to CCD. The problem has even been blamed on modern beekeeping. If this is the case, the bees are doomed, whatever the cause, and will continue to disappear. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay There is still an unknown answer. why honey bees are disappearing all over the world. There are a lot of speculations, but the problem is not just one. If things continue at the current rate of decline, bees could disappear together in a short time. For now, research is still underway.