Toefl Itp Reading Practice -

(A) They are more efficient at producing honey. (B) They prefer to live in agricultural areas. (C) Most of them do not live in large groups. (D) They are unable to survive in parks.

(A) manicured gardens support the highest bee diversity. (B) unmanaged green spaces are better for bee populations. (C) pesticides have no effect on urban bees. (D) cities cannot support a wide variety of bee species. toefl itp reading practice

However, urbanization presents significant challenges. The replacement of native plants with exotic ornamental species can reduce the nutritional quality of available pollen. Furthermore, the widespread use of pesticides in city parks and private gardens poses a direct threat to bee health. A recent study in Berlin found that despite an abundance of bee species, populations were notably lower in heavily manicured, high-traffic zones compared to wilder, unmanaged green spaces. The study concluded that city planning which prioritizes native plantings and reduces chemical interventions is essential for sustaining urban bee biodiversity. (A) They are more efficient at producing honey

Unlike honeybees, which live in large, social colonies, over 90% of urban bee species are solitary. A single female leafcutter bee, for example, constructs her own nest in a small cavity, such as a hollow stem or a crack in a brick wall, without the aid of a worker caste. She then provisions the nest with a mixture of nectar and pollen before laying a single egg. This efficient, independent lifestyle allows solitary bees to thrive in fragmented urban habitats where large, continuous foraging areas are scarce. (D) They are unable to survive in parks