Understanding Honeybee Colonies

A honeybee colony is not a monarchy; the queen bee does not lead. Instead, female worker bees collectively make decisions. The queen's main role is to lay eggs, ensuring the colony's growth. If she fails, worker bees can replace her by nurturing a new queen from a worker bee egg with royal jelly. This process allows the hive to thrive across generations.

Who makes the decisions in a honeybee colony?

• The female worker bees

• The male drones

• The entire colony collectively

• The queen bee

What is the main responsibility of the queen bee?

• To lead the colony

• To lay eggs

• To collect nectar

• To protect the hive

What happens if the queen bee is not performing her duties?

• The hive will disband

• The drones will take over

• The worker bees will replace her

• The colony will continue without a queen

How do worker bees create a new queen?

• By allowing the queen to lay a special egg

• By feeding a worker bee egg royal jelly

• By selecting a male drone

• By choosing a new queen from outside

What is the significance of royal jelly in a honeybee colony?

• It is used to feed all bees

• It is a special diet for the queen

• It is used to turn a worker bee into a queen

• It is a type of honey