Fewer Flowers Mean Bumblebee Tongues Are Shrinking

Rising temperatures in mountains around the world have led to a decline in flowers—which has in turn led to a decline in bumblebee populations.

"We are not saying climate change isn't a problem for bumblebees—it is a major problem," says Candace Galen. "However, these findings indicate that some bumblebees may be able to adapt." Pictured above: As Bombus pascuorum. Richard Bartz, Munich Makro Freak/CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

Rising temperatures in mountains around the world have led to a decline in flowers—which has in turn led to a decline in bumblebee populations.

But two species have figured out a way to survive: They have evolved shorter tongues. The findings, published in Science, suggest that some bumblebee species may be able to adapt to environmental challenges caused by climate change.

Forest Wander/CC BY-SA 2.0