Enhance your knowledge for the North Carolina Bee School Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations, to prepare and succeed in your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the optimal temperature for a healthy bee hive?

  1. 70 Degrees

  2. 85 Degrees

  3. 95 Degrees

  4. 60 Degrees

The correct answer is: 85 Degrees

The optimal temperature for a healthy bee hive is generally around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Honey bees are ectothermic creatures, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature internally and instead rely on environmental conditions and their colony to maintain warmth. During cooler periods, bees cluster together to generate heat, but as temperatures drop significantly, it can become challenging for the hive to maintain the necessary warmth. At around 95 degrees, bees are able to function effectively, engage in activities like brood rearing, and maintain hive health. The brood (developing bee larvae) requires heat for proper development, and this temperature facilitates energy-efficient foraging and prevents stress on the colony. Thus, this temperature is crucial for the overall function and vitality of a bee colony.