On Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:56:49 +0200, Juanse Barros <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>How do the original environment of this two species compare?
>
>Talking from ingorance, I suspect cerana is from a more tropical (ie all
>year with flower) environment, while mellifera comes either from a
>mediterranean or temperate environment (ie. with winter latency).
>
>IF so this could explain the lack of propolis and other selection traits.

The tendency to collect propolis is widespread and includes various tropical non-apis 
bees. The use of propolis could be a divergent evolution and is highly effective against 
disease. To say that an internal or external immune response is better is simpleminded. 
However, the use of propolis by humans has a many thousand year history which surely 
predates beekeeping. 

The failure of modern colonies could be due to not having access to the best forms of 
plant biologicals due to being moved to honey flows, pollination contracts, etc. Perhaps a 
hive benefits from year round placement in being able learn about the local varieties of 
medicinal plants and efficiently gather them. They may have the ability to select 
particular varieties in response to pathogens present in the hive. 

Not much is known for certain about the exploitation of anti-microbial substances by 
bees, but it would seem to me to be an example of evolutionary advancement. Just like 
our own modern medicine, while flawed, is an advancement over leeches and trepanation.

plb

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