The honeybees in this country are in trouble, with about one-third of the managed colonies dying off every winter. While scientists work to identify all the factors that have led to the losses, it is clear that there are biological and environmental stresses that have created a complex challenge that will take a complex approach to solve. Parasites, diseases, and pesticides all play a role in the problem, and the parasitic mite Varroa destructor seems to be the major factor. An Asian native that arrived here in 1987, the mite is a modern plague, and the mites are becoming resistant to the miticides used to control them. New treatments are in the pipeline. However, another miticide can be only a short-term solution.

Question

(Source)

The passage implies which of the following about the decline of honeybees in the U.S.?

ADiseases are becoming resistant to miticides used to control them.BPesticides seem to be the major factor in the decline in honeybees.CNew treatments need to be made more quickly to solve the problem.DThe decline in American honeybees has gotten worse since 1987.

Answer 1

The passage implies the following about the decline of honeybees in the U.S.:

D The decline in American honeybees has gotten worse since 1987.

This conclusion can be drawn because the passage mentions that the Varroa destructor mite, which arrived in the U.S. in 1987, is a major factor contributing to the decline of honeybee colonies. The implication is that the introduction of this mite has led to deteriorating conditions for honeybees over time.