What is one impact of climate change on bee populations?

One significant impact of climate change on bee populations is the alteration of flowering times. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the timing of when flowers bloom can change, leading to a mismatch between the availability of food sources, such as nectar and pollen, and the lifecycle of bees. If flowers bloom earlier than usual due to warmer temperatures, bees may find themselves without sufficient food during critical periods of their development and foraging. This disruption can affect bee populations by limiting their access to essential resources, ultimately impacting their health and survival rates.

In contrast, other options present conditions that are less likely to be directly influenced by climate change. For example, while climate change may impact the overall honey production, this is not a direct or consistent result of climate shifts. Similarly, competition among species may not necessarily decrease; in fact, changing climates can lead to increased competition as new species move into areas where they previously weren't found. Lastly, improvement in bee health is unlikely as climate change tends to introduce more stressors, such as habitat loss and increased disease prevalence, which typically would diminish rather than enhance overall bee health.