What is the primary function of the worker bee in a hive?

The primary function of the worker bee in a hive encompasses a variety of crucial roles, including foraging for nectar and pollen, nursing the larvae, and maintaining the hive's overall structure and cleanliness. Worker bees are responsible for gathering food, which is essential for the growth and survival of the colony. They collect nectar to convert into honey, gather pollen for protein, and ensure the hive is well-stocked with resources.

In addition to foraging, worker bees take care of the eggs and larvae by feeding them royal jelly, pollen, and nectar, which are vital for their development into mature bees. They also perform tasks such as cleaning the hive, building and repairing honeycomb, and regulating temperature within the hive by fanning their wings. This variety of responsibilities is essential for the hive's health and productivity.

The other options represent tasks that either do not fall under the duties of worker bees or are not their primary responsibilities. For example, producing honey is a task that results from their foraging but is not their sole function. Building new hives is typically the role of swarming bees or certain worker bees in specific situations. Mating with the queen is exclusively the role of the drones, who are male bees. By understanding the multifaceted roles of