randy oliver wrote:
> That said, some allelic exposure might be of benefit in helping a wild-type
> population adapt to today's changing environment.  Then, natural "purifying
> selection" and the resulting regression to a mean would help to sort out
> which novel alleles were of benefit to the wild population overall.

There might be problems associated with that approach.  Some say, 
including scientists I am told, that a species finds it difficult to 
adapt in a sustainable way unless it first begins to breed true. 
Mongrels, hybrids or mutts, whatever term we use don't tend to breed 
true so traits that are beneficial in one generation will not 
necessarily be transferred to the next.  While beekeepers continue to 
import exotic subspecies the gene pool will never settle down and 
sustainable adaptation, whether by beekeeper selection, or natural 
pressures will not be allowed to take place.  This is said to be also 
true in a changing environment so many believe that purity is the answer 
to coping with climate change.  If the introduction of bees from outside 
were to stop then we could perhaps let nature take control but in the 
meantime I think we need to select out the exotic introductions and rear 
queens and drones from local bees.
In addition, people who live in areas that are marginal for bees often 
report that native types survive better and are more productive than 
bees that are specially bred for, or evolved in, milder climates.  In my 
own area beekeepers find it hard work to keep exotic bees alive and one 
result of such stressed bees is bad temper.  Hobbyists just don't want 
bees like that and once they see how native types can be kept and 
handled they are instantly converted.  Hence the willingness to sponsor 
the Bangor University DNA study.  We have no bee farmers in the 
locality, probably because it would not be profitable in our short, wet 
and windy summers.

Steve Rose, N Wales

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