Question

bees play a crucial role in agriculture and the environment. they pollinate about one - third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. without bees, many of these crops would struggle to grow, leading to food shortages and higher prices. however, bee populations have been declining in recent decades. scientists point to several causes: pesticide use, habitat loss, disease, and climate change. fewer bees mean less pollination, which threatens not only farming but also ecosystems that depend on flowering plants. to address this issue, many communities are taking action. some cities have banned certain pesticides, while others encourage planting wildflowers and creating “bee - friendly” spaces. these steps may seem small, but together they can help restore bee populations and protect food supplies. 16. what does the passage state explicitly about the role of bees? a. bees only pollinate flowers for honey production. b. bees are responsible for pollinating about one - third of the food we eat. c. bees are no longer necessary for modern farming. d. bees primarily live in wild habitats far from humans. 17. what inference can be drawn about the impact of declining bee populations? a. it will only affect people who grow fruit. b. it may cause problems for both farmers and ecosystems. c. it will not matter as long as farmers use pesticides. d. it will make farming cheaper and easier. 18. which detail provides the best textual evidence for the answer to question 2? a. “they pollinate about one - third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts.” b. “scientists point to several causes: pesticide use, habitat loss, disease, and climate change.” c. “fewer bees mean less pollination, which threatens not only farming but also ecosystems that depend on flowering plants.” d. “some cities have banned certain pesticides, while others encourage planting wildflowers.”

Explanation:

1. The passage clearly states that bees pollinate about one - third of the food we eat. Option A is incorrect as it's not the only role; B is not mentioned in the given text; D is contrary to the passage.
2. The passage mentions that fewer bees mean less pollination, threatening both farming and ecosystems. Option A is too narrow; C is incorrect as pesticides are part of the problem; D is contrary to what the passage implies.
3. The statement about fewer bees threatening farming and ecosystems provides evidence for the impact of declining bee populations.

Answer:

1. C. Bees are responsible for pollinating about one - third of the food we eat.
2. B. It may cause problems for both farmers and ecosystems.
3. C. “Fewer bees mean less pollination, which threatens not only farming but also ecosystems that depend on flowering plants.”