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.
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. toefl itp reading practice
in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to: (A) broken into pieces (B) enriched with nutrients (C) densely populated (D) highly protected However, urbanization presents significant challenges
(A) To show that some urban bees do live in colonies. (B) To give an example of a solitary urban bee species. (C) To compare their size with honeybees. (D) To explain how they produce nectar. A recent study in Berlin found that despite
(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.
While honeybees often capture the public’s attention due to their role in agriculture and honey production, an astonishing diversity of bee species thrives in cities around the world. Far from being concrete wastelands for pollinators, metropolitan areas — with their balconies, community gardens, parks, and even abandoned lots — can support over 200 species of bees. Among these are bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and mason bees, each exhibiting unique nesting and foraging behaviors.