What impact does monoculture have on bees?

Monoculture refers to the agricultural practice of growing a single crop over a wide area for several consecutive years. This practice can significantly impact bees in a variety of ways, primarily through the availability of nutrition. When bees rely on a single type of crop for forage, they may not receive the full spectrum of nutrients they require to thrive. Diverse forage sources provide bees with various essential nutrients—not just carbohydrates from nectar and pollen but also proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Without this diversity, bees can face nutritional deficiencies, which can weaken their immune systems and affect colony health and productivity.

In contrast, practices that promote crop diversity typically provide a broader range of food sources, which supports better overall nutrition for pollinators. Thus, relying solely on monoculture can hinder the bees' ability to gather the necessary nutrients, leading to potential health issues within colonies. This is why the correct answer highlights the nutritional deficiencies that can arise from a lack of diverse forage sources.