Which of the following contributes to the decline of bee populations?

The decline of bee populations can be significantly attributed to colony collapse disorder and pesticide use. Colony collapse disorder (CCD) refers to the phenomenon where a significant number of worker bees abandon their hive, leading to the eventual collapse of the colony. This issue has been linked to various factors, including stress, parasites, disease, and environmental conditions.

In addition to CCD, pesticide use is a critical factor affecting bee health. Certain pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, have been shown to lethally affect bees or impair their ability to forage successfully, navigate, and reproduce. These chemicals can contaminate the nectar and pollen that bees collect, leading to reduced populations.

Other options like cold weather and high honey prices do not have as direct an impact on the bee population itself. Cold weather may affect honey production but does not directly lead to a population decline. While high honey prices may indicate strong demand for honey, they do not contribute to the health or stability of bee colonies. Increased flower varieties, on the other hand, generally benefit bees by providing more foraging options and are usually associated with better pollinator health and survival.