ENVS 2210 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Western Honey Bee, Mongrel, Hillbilly
15 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Group of individuals that interbreed and that are reproductively isolated from other groups. Species within the genus apis: a, mellifera, a. cerana (eastern h. b. ) Most likely developed in africa, but likely differentiated from wasps in south. East asia where the greatet species diversity of the group occurs. Characteristics of a, cerana aka a. indica (asian or eastern h. b. ) Nest on large, single combs, in trees and cliffs; exposed. Builds nests on small combs in trees and bushes; exposed. Hunted for honey and wax; not managed. Stings are usually unable to penetrate skin. Races or subspecies of apis mellifera (western h. b. ) Originated in africa, then spread to northern europe to asia. Reproduced in geographic isolation > races (subspecies) Honey bees originated > 50 millions years ago. Different environments and natural selection resulted in different ecotypes. 20 races in 3 groups (european, oriental, african) Bees exists everywhere in the world scutellata subspecies bee generated the killer bees.
