Read the text below and select the correct word or phrase for each gap from the drop-down list.
The Role of Bees in Ecosystems
Bees play a crucial role in natural ecosystems by assisting plants to reproduce. As bees move from flower to flower in search of nectar, they pollen between plants, a process known as pollination.
Pollination allows flowering plants to produce seeds and fruit, forming the foundation of many food chains. Without bees, the reproduction of numerous plant species would be , leading to a decline in food sources for other animals, including humans.
In addition to supporting wild plants, bees are essential to agriculture. Many crops depend on bee pollination to produce reliable yields. Farmers often rely on healthy bee populations to food production on a large scale.
Bee populations, however, have declined in recent decades. Habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change have all to this problem. These pressures weaken bee colonies and reduce their ability to survive.
The loss of bees would have far-reaching consequences. Ecosystems are a delicate ,and removing one key species can disrupt the entire system. Fewer bees would mean fewer plants, affecting animals that rely on those plants for shelter and food.
Protecting bees requires changes in both farming practices and individual behaviour. Planting native flowers and reducing chemical use can local bee populations.
Although small in size, bees have a(n) role in sustaining life on Earth. Their continued survival depends on human .