What is the primary role of the queen bee in a hive?

The primary role of the queen bee in a hive is to lay eggs and ensure the colony's continuation. The queen is the only fertile female in the hive and is responsible for reproduction. She can lay thousands of eggs each day, which is vital for maintaining the population of the colony. The health and productivity of the hive largely depend on the queen's ability to lay eggs efficiently.

While other roles in the hive, such as foraging for nectar and pollen, honey production, and hive defense, are essential to the survival of the colony, those tasks are typically carried out by worker bees. The queen's main focus is her reproductive duties, thereby ensuring the colony can grow and survive over time. This central role underscores the importance of the queen in the overall dynamics and functioning of a beehive.