Scientific Perspective

Biology 366

During the Summer I semester of 2021 I got the chance to take a Biology course titled Biodiversity and Conservation with Dr. Mary Lehman. I know I’ve probably said that there have been at least ten classes that have been “my favorite class here at Longwood,” but this class with Dr. Lehman truly was an amazing course and I would take it over and over again if I had the chance.

This course delved into some of the topics that I am the most interested and passionate about regarding biology. We learned a lot about various ecosystems and how we as humans have affected natural environments around the world. We spoke about threatened, endangered, and extinct species of plants and animals that have existed in various places all around the world.

Dr. Lehman encouraged me to be engaged with the material that we were discussing in class by choosing topics that were important to me personally. I’ve always been someone who loves bees and has always wanted to do whatever possible to protect the species. So when I got the chance to study an endangered or threatened species of my choice, I chose Bombus affinis, more commonly known as the rusty patched bumble bee. I learned that the declining populations of the critically endangered rusty patched bumble bee can cause not only ecological disturbances, but cause disruption within the world’s economic system.  This species of bee is essential for ensuring the food security to a large number of people around the world and contribute greatly to the general functioning of the diverse ecosystems that they inhabit. The conservation efforts to reduce the effects of habitat loss, disease, pesticides, and global climate change and incredibly important to the survival of this unique species.

Attached is a copy of my review paper completed in Dr. Lehman’s course, which addresses the threats and recovery plans for the critically endangered rusty patched bumble bee!