North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

What type of sunlight exposure ensures better nectar availability for bees in the morning?

1. Afternoon sun

2. Evening sun

3. Morning sun

4. Filtered sunlight

The correct answer is: Morning sun

Morning sun exposure is crucial for maximizing nectar availability for bees because flowers typically release their nectar early in the day when temperatures begin to rise. The warmth from the morning sun helps to stimulate the metabolic processes in flowers, encouraging them to open up and release nectar, which attracts foraging bees. This is particularly important for many flowering plants that depend on sunlight to enhance nectar production. In contrast, afternoon or evening sun may not provide the same benefits, as many flowers have already been visited by bees earlier in the day, and by late afternoon, the nectar availability may diminish. Filtered sunlight may also not be as effective, as it can limit the intensity of light and warmth that blossoms receive, further reducing nectar production. Therefore, full morning sun is optimal for ensuring that flowers are abundantly available to provide nectar when bees are actively foraging.