Question

Match the following.

List I	List II
1. Apis cerana Indica	a. African bee
2. Apis mellifera	b. Indian bee
3. Apis adamsoni	c. Italian bee

A. 1-b, 2-c, 3-a
B. 1-a, 2-b, 3-c
C. 1-c, 2-a, 3-b
D. 1-b, 2-a, 3-c

Answer 1

Hint: Apis is the genus of honeybees. They are known for the construction of colonies nest by the wax and produce honey. Only 8 species of the honeybee are recognisable. Several varieties of bees are domesticated for honey.

Complete answer:
We already know that honey is obtained from different varieties of honey bee. These bees are domesticated for honey. Only two varieties of honey bees are domesticated, that is western honey bee and eastern honey bee. Let us discuss the different species of bees given in the question.

• Apis cerena Indica- Apis cerana is also known as Eastern honey bee or Asian honey bee. Apis cerana Indica is the subspecies and is known as Indian honeybee. This stain is domesticated in India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand. This species is not aggressive and does not show swarming behavior. These bees are ideal for beekeeping. These bees are larger in size as compared to the mellifera species. These are important pollinators of coconut.

• Apis mellifera- It is also known as European bee or Italian bee. It is the first domesticated insect. It is kept for both honey and also for pollination. It is threatened by pests and also diseases. It is listed in the IUCN red list.

• Apis adamsoni- It is known as African bee. They are much greater in number than European bees. They are very dangerous and are known as killer bees. They have also killed several animals and humans.

Hence the correct answer is option (a)

Note: Apis cerana is the true honey bee. These are stingless bees. The wax is used for making candles, cosmetics. The honey has antimicrobial properties.