An entomologist observes that bumblebees collect pollen at a rate of 0.3 mg per minute, while honeybees collect at 0.2 mg per minute. If a bumblebee forages for 4 hours and a honeybee forages for 5 hours, what is the total mass of pollen collected by both bees?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:20:00 +0000

**Discover the Hidden Efficiency Behind Pollination: How Bumblebees and Honeybees Collect Pollen** When researchers track how pollinators gather pollen, a simple calculation reveals fascinating insights into efficiency—and biomass. An entomologist observes that bumblebees collect pollen at a rate of 0.3 mg per minute, while honeybees manage about 0.2 mg per minute. If a bumblebee forages for 4 hours and a honeybee works for 5 hours, the combined pollen collected adds up to a surprising 1.86 grams—more than just a number, but a reminder of nature’s intricate balance. As interest in ecological health and sustainable practices grows, this kind of data fuels curiosity among nature enthusiasts, urban gardeners, and anyone curious about the mechanics of ecosystems. ### Why This Pollination Study Is Gaining Attention in the US In recent years, public interest in pollinators has surged, driven by concerns over declining bee populations, food security, and biodiversity. The measurable efficiency of species like bumblebees and honeybees offers a tangible insight into how small creatures contribute to larger environmental outcomes. Educational platforms, gardening communities, and sustainability forums increasingly highlight such data, turning scientific observations into accessible knowledge. People are drawn not just by curiosity, but by a desire to support pollinator health—whether through habitat creation, citizen science, or informed choices. Understanding how and how much these bees collect grounds discussions in real, shareable facts rather than abstract claims.