“Why Is the Bee More Important Than Humans?” at the Natural History Museum Metković

“Why Is the Bee More Important Than Humans?” at the Natural History Museum Metković

14 March – 1 July 2018
Exhibition “Why Is the Bee More Important Than Humans?” at the Natural History Museum Metković
The exhibition was created in collaboration between the Croatian Natural History Museum, the Croatian Beekeeping Association, and the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture of the University of Zagreb.

Exhibition Concept: Dr. Iva Mihoci
Exhibition Authors: Dr. Iva Mihoci, Dr. Zorana Sedlar, Petar Crnčan, M.Sc. Exp. Biol.
Expert Contributors: Prof. Dr. Ivana Tlak Gajger, Prof. Dr. Dragan Bubalo, Vedran Lesjak, B.Sc. Agr., Dr. Vlatka Mičetić Stanković, Saša Petrić, Ankica Dušević, Dalibor Sičanica, Darija Ćaleta, B.Sc. Biol.
Illustrations: Franka Tretinjak
Photography: Dr. Zorana Sedlar, Miljenko Sedlar, B.Sc. Biol., Mateja Jagić, M.Sc. Mol. Biol., Tatjana Šardi, Vitomir Mlinarec
Exhibition Design: Mario Galov
Graphic Design of Labels and Catalogue: Nikša Martinac
Technical Realization: Croatian Natural History Museum

Exhibition Themes and Objectives:

1. Bee Morphology – The honey bee is a member of the order Hymenoptera, characterized by well-developed membranous wings that enable flight. Its body is covered with hairs that facilitate pollination, while the hind legs are adapted for collecting pollen. The mouthparts are specialized for gathering nectar.

2. The Social Life of the Honey Bee – A bee colony consists of three castes: the queen, worker bees, and drones. The queen is responsible for reproduction and pheromonal communication with the workers. Worker bees care for the colony, performing different tasks throughout their lives, while drones primarily serve to mate with the queen.

3. Bee Diseases – Bee colonies are exposed to numerous environmental stressors, including pesticides, excessive use of chemicals, food shortages, and prolonged unfavorable weather conditions. These factors reduce bees’ resistance to disease-causing agents. Like humans, bees can suffer from viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and non-infectious diseases. Reduced colony resistance is one of the main causes of bee population decline.

4. How Honey Is Made and What Bees Eat – To obtain the nutrients necessary for growth and development, bees collect nectar and pollen as sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They also convert nectar into honey, storing it as food for the winter months when floral resources are unavailable. A diverse diet is essential, requiring worker bees to visit flowers from as many different plant species as possible.

5. How Flowers Attract Bees – Pollination – Plants that depend on bees for pollination must attract their pollinators by standing out in their environment and offering rewards that encourage repeated visits. In addition to visual signals, plants also use scent to attract bees.

6. Why Is the Bee More Important Than Humans? – Through their long co-evolution and mutual dependence, bees and flowering plants together sustain life on Earth. While searching for nectar and pollen, bees pollinate a vast number of plant species. Without this process, ecosystems would be dramatically altered, leading to the loss of both plant and animal species. Through pollination, bees play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining life on our planet.

“If the bee disappeared from the surface of the Earth, man would have only four years left to live.” — Albert Einstein