Which of the following is a potential effect of climate change on bees?

The choice indicating decreased flower varieties as a potential effect of climate change on bees is indeed compelling. Climate change can significantly impact the growing seasons and distribution of plants, leading to alterations in the availability and abundance of flowering plants. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, certain plant species may not thrive in areas where they once flourished, resulting in a reduction of the diversity of flowering plants that bees depend on for foraging. This decrease in flower variety can adversely affect bees, limiting their food sources and leading to potential declines in bee populations due to inadequate nutrition.

While increased habitat availability, higher honey production, and reduced competition from other insects appear to suggest benefits, they may not hold true in the context of climate change. Many habitats critical for both bees and their food sources may be diminished, and even if some new habitats appear, they might not be suitable for existing bee populations. Additionally, honey production could decline due to reduced availability of flowers, and competition with other insects, instead of decreasing, may actually rise as ecosystem dynamics change in response to climate factors. Understanding these complex impacts highlights the importance of conserving diverse plant life to support bee health in the face of climate challenges.