The reading passage claims that the main cause of the decline in bee populations is the use of pesticides, which weaken bees and lead to colony collapse. However, the professor in the lecture disputes this claim by presenting alternative explanations, including habitat loss and climate change. First, while the reading states that pesticides harm bees by affecting their nervous systems and disorienting them, the professor argues that this cannot be the primary cause of bee decline. He explains that in regions where pesticide use has been strictly regulated or even banned, bee populations have still declined. This suggests that other factors are responsible rather than pesticides alone. Second, the reading argues that areas with heavy pesticide use have experienced higher bee mortality rates, further proving the negative effects of pesticides. The professor refutes this idea by highlighting the impact of habitat destruction. He explains that modern agriculture and urban expansion have significantly reduced the availability of wildflowers and nesting sites, making it difficult for bees to find food and shelter. This environmental change has had a far greater impact on bee populations than pesticides. Finally, the reading claims that scientific studies have directly linked pesticides to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a phenomenon in which worker bees abandon their hives. However, the professor counters this argument by introducing climate change as another major factor. He explains that rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns have disrupted bee behavior, altered flowering seasons, and reduced food sources. As a result, bees struggle to survive even in areas with minimal pesticide exposure. In conclusion, while the reading attributes the bee population decline primarily to pesticide use, the professor challenges this claim by arguing that habitat loss and climate change are more significant causes. His evidence suggests that the decline in bee populations is a complex issue influenced by multiple environmental factors rather than pesticides alone.