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Bees Underwater: Studying Bumblebee Survival Amidst Rising Sea Levels
STEM Snacks
Steve Burgess
April 20, 2024
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Scuba Bees
Bumblebees are preparing for rising sea levels. Queen bees survived a lab accident that flooded their houses, prompting a study into how amphibious they can be.
143 hibernating queens studied
Underwater-time lasted up to 7 days
81% survived all 7 days
Surviving bees lived as long as the non-submerged control group. Further beesearch will determine long-term affects of flooding on queens and their colonies. And whether or not they wear tiny water shoes.
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Turns out, bumblebees can survive underwater longer than I can hold my breath. And here I thought my bathtub snorkeling record was impressive.
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Catch-up here: 🔬Bird Dreams | Scuba Bees | Repair Bears
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