The tiny bee carries the weight of the world on its shoulders

Do you know why bees are the biggest pollinators, the biggest contributors to mother nature's flourishing, the child of mother nature who knows how to take care and not just quench their thirst, but that of others too.

Did you know “Almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of leading global crops depend on animal pollination. One out of every three mouthfuls of our food depends on pollinators such as bees” (wwf.org). So why don’t we take a moment to thank the bees for the food we have? 

How does this magic happen, how do bees actually pollinate? 

A portion of the pollen from the stamens, the male reproductive organ of the flower, sticks to the hair of the bee as it collects the nectar and pollen from the flower. When she moves on to the next bloom, she carries some of the pollen to the stigma, the flower's female reproductive organ.

Apart from pollinating, the bees also produce honey and beeswax, which are quite crucial in the food, beverages, beauty, and cosmetics industries. Again a big thanks to the bees. 

Some facts about the bees

1. There are over 20,000 species of bees: The fact is that there are over 20,000 “known” species, but we are not quite sure how many more there are. These known species of bees are recognized under seven biological families. 
2. Bees are found all over the planet, except for Antarctica: Bees are found in every habitat on the planet that contains insect-pollinated flowering plants, and Antarctica is a little out of the range.
3. Bees have different sources of energy. No, it isn’t solar. Bees’ primary source of energy is nectar, whereas pollen is consumed as their source of protein and other nutrients.
4. Bees have four wings: Yes, you read it right, the wings on both sides are clasped together to form one larger pair while flying and then unclasped when they’re not really flying.
5. We have Apiculture, or human beekeeping, which has been in practice since Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt.
6. Bees are older than us, Homo Sapiens: The oldest fossil of a bee is circa.70 million years ago, whereas that of a homo sapien is just 300,000 years old. 

So, how are we going to protect the protector; the bees:

1. Planting Flowers: Of course, that is the easiest way we can help the bees, and ourselves as well. It will not just help in pollination, but will also be the source of energy for the pollinators.
2. Not using pesticides: Using any sort of pesticide, insecticide, fungicide or any other harmful chemical isn’t just harmful to bees, but also to humans and the environment.
3. Creating bee baths: It isn’t just cool, but it’ll help bees to quench their thirst as well.

Let's make a healthier environment for the bees and the humans. Till then keep feeling the buzz.

Save the bees, protect the planet.

Live mindfully.