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What term refers to the division of labor within a bee colony?

  1. Caste System

  2. Social Structure

  3. Colony Hierarchy

  4. Role Distribution

The correct answer is: Caste System

The term that refers to the division of labor within a bee colony is the caste system. In a bee colony, there are distinct roles that different types of bees perform, reflecting a highly organized structure that enables the colony to function efficiently. This caste system typically includes three main types of bees: the queen (whose primary role is reproduction), worker bees (responsible for foraging, nursing, and hive maintenance), and drones (whose sole job is to mate with the queen). Each caste has specialized behaviors and physiological traits that allow them to perform their designated tasks, ensuring the survival and productivity of the colony. The concept of a caste system highlights how bees, despite being part of the same species, can have diverse functions that contribute to their social organization. Understanding this division is critical for beekeepers and enthusiasts to manage bee populations effectively.