North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

What significant role does the queen play in the colony regarding worker bees?

1. She collects nectar

2. She lays eggs and regulates behavior

3. She forages for food

4. She protects the hive from predators

The correct answer is: She lays eggs and regulates behavior

The queen bee plays a crucial role in the colony primarily through laying eggs and regulating the behavior of worker bees. Her primary function is to ensure the continuation of the colony by producing offspring; she can lay thousands of eggs during her reproductive lifespan. This capability is essential for maintaining the colony’s population and health. Moreover, the queen also releases pheromones, which are chemical signals that influence the behavior and activities of the worker bees. These pheromones help to regulate various aspects of the colony's functioning, including the workers' care for the brood, foraging activities, and overall social structure. By managing these functions, the queen ensures that the colony operates effectively, contributing to the success and stability of the hive. In contrast, tasks such as collecting nectar, foraging for food, or directly defending the hive from predators are typically performed by worker bees, not the queen. Thus, the queen's role is primarily focused on reproduction and behavioral regulation within the hive.