What are the primary roles of worker bees in the hive?

Worker bees have several essential roles that are crucial for the survival and efficiency of the hive, and the correct selection highlights the main tasks they perform. The primary roles include foraging for food, nursing the brood, and cleaning the hive.

Foraging is a vital duty; worker bees leave the hive to gather nectar, pollen, and water. This food is essential for the hive’s sustenance and the production of honey.

Nursing refers to the care of larvae and pupae. Worker bees feed and tend to the developing young, ensuring they receive the nutrition needed to grow into healthy adult bees. This role is critical for maintaining the hive's population.

Cleaning involves keeping the hive free from debris, disease, and waste. Worker bees will remove dead bees, clean the wax cells, and ensure the environment is hygienic, which helps in preventing the spread of pathogens.

These roles are fundamentally interconnected, ensuring the hive operates smoothly and remains healthy, which is why the selection identifying these roles accurately reflects the responsibilities of worker bees.