From the data observed, it was observed that when the bee is in its larval stage, it has high chances of mortality. This is due to the low population density of worker bees present on the hive. Worker bees are vital to the broods’ development since they are the ones feeding them. Small number of nurse bees ultimately leads to the deprivation of food. Temperature could have affected them too. Lack of food for larva leads to starvation and definitely, to death.
Type III survivorship curve was found to be prevalent given the data plotted on the grid. Mortality rates were at its peak during the juvenile stages, while a high survival rate during the later stages. The curve reflects the opposite pattern of survival and mortality. The curve begins with a very steep slope, which indicates low survival (high mortality) among the juveniles. The shallow slope in middle part and old ages indicates that most of the individuals that survive their youth survive to old age.
Mortality was observed on each of the life stages and these mortalities are caused by different factors. Eggs of the test species are generally temperature sensitive. Varying weather conditions which cause temperature changes may have caused the eggs to degenerate, and fail to develop. Some eggs also failed to develop due to its non-viability. Eggs that developed into the larval stage are also at risk of being infected with chalk brood, which is caused by a fungus. A low population density of nurse bees may also cause the larva to stop developing since the larva is primarily dependent on the food delivered by the workers. Bees on its pupa stage may have a high survival rate because of its covering, however, could be at risk too because of foulbroods infestation. Fortunately, foulbrood is not that prevalent in the archipelago. Viral, bacterial and fungal infections on the other hand affect adults. Nosema for