Dr. Heather Mattila, Wellesley College (IMAGE)
Caption
A new Wellesley College study, led by honey bee ecologist Dr. Heather Mattila, sheds light on the link between genetic diversity and healthier bee colonies -- by revealing the makeup of microscopic life inside the bees’ guts, food, and on their bodies. For the first time, scientists discovered that genetically diverse worker bee populations, which result from the promiscuous mating behavior of queens, benefited from more diverse symbiotic microbial communities, reduced bacteria loads from pathogenic groups, and more bacteria related to helpful probiotic species.
Credit
Richard Howard
Usage Restrictions
Please contact Sofiya Cabalquinto, <a href="mailto:scabalqu@wellesley.edu">scabalqu@wellesley.edu</a>, before using photo.
License
Licensed content