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What do bees create from plant resin to seal cracks and secure the hive entry?

  1. Beeswax

  2. Propolis

  3. Honeycomb

  4. Nectar

The correct answer is: Propolis

Bees create propolis from plant resin to seal cracks and secure the hive entry. Propolis is a sticky substance that bees collect from tree buds, sap flows, and other botanical sources. They mix this resin with their own secretions to produce a material that has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, making it an essential component for hive maintenance and protection. Propolis plays a critical role in hive hygiene, helping to seal gaps and prevent pathogens from entering the colony. This not only protects the bees but also helps maintain the stability of the hive's internal environment. In contrast, beeswax is produced from the glands of worker bees and is primarily used to construct honeycomb, while honeycomb itself serves as storage for honey and pollen. Nectar is the sugary liquid that bees collect from flowers, which they convert into honey. Each of these substances serves distinct purposes in beekeeping, but propolis specifically is the material used for sealing and protecting the hive.