How do bees detoxify harmful substances in their environment?

Bees play a crucial role in managing their environment and ensuring the health of their colony, particularly when it comes to detoxifying harmful substances. The correct answer highlights the use of propolis, which is a resinous substance that bees collect from tree buds and sap flows.

Propolis serves multiple functions in the hive. Primarily, it acts as a natural antiseptic. Bees use it to seal cracks and crevices within the hive, creating a barrier against pathogens and preventing disease spread. Additionally, propolis contains antimicrobial properties, allowing the bees to coat surfaces within the hive to further inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. This use of propolis not only helps in detoxifying the hive environment but also plays a role in maintaining the colony's overall hygiene and health.

The other choices do not accurately represent how bees detoxify their environment. Honey, while it has some antibacterial properties, does not serve as a cleansing agent for removing toxins. Constructing barriers around the hive can protect against predators or external threats but is not a detoxification method. Lastly, expelling toxins via their wings is not a documented behavior; rather, bees rely on their physiological abilities and materials like propolis for detoxification purposes. By understanding the role of propolis, it becomes