Many farmers in the United States rely on bees to pollinate their crops. Over the last century, the honey bee population has been in decline. In 1940 the number of bee colonies reached 5 million, but has since dropped to 2 million in 1989. This number has never fully recovered, but has recovered slightly to 2.5 million colonies. There are many factors that could contribute to colony loss, such as parasites, diseases, and insecticides. The article discusses whether colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a growing problem or a problem that has gone unnoticed for years. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Bees pollinate 95 different fruits and vegetables in the United States and are an important tool in agricultural practices. The 60% loss from 1940 to 1989 has been attributed primarily to a parasite called the Varroa mite. It went unnoticed for almost 50 years and was finally noticed in 1987. By then the population had declined immensely. 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 with disappearing colonies. Current losses are sought with the use of neonictinoids. Pesticides aren't exactly the only thing to blame. The article goes on to suggest that the CCD problem is a multifactorial issue. Studies were then started on the bees that remained in the colony after its collapse. Adult bees were found to have a large number of pathogens inside them. It is believed that these pathogens can spread between hives via wax combs and beekeepers' equipment. The hypothesis was that these pathogens were a direct cause of CCD. When the team in the article tested the hypothesis, they found mixed results. There have been many different studies conducted with different universities on the cause of CCD. It is hypothesized that bees have a suppressed immune system. The factor of a weak immune system with the persistent possibility of pathogens and a parasitic mite could be linked to CCD. The problem itself has even been attributed to modern beekeeping. If this is the case, bees are doomed, whatever the cause, and will continue to disappear. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay There is still an unknown answer to why honey bees around the world are disappearing. There are a large number of speculations, but not just one could be the problem. If things continue at the current rate of decline, bees could disappear together in a short space of time. At the moment the research is still ongoing.