What characteristic distinguishes unfertilized eggs in bees?

Unfertilized eggs in bees are specifically characterized by developing into drones, which are the male bees in a colony. This process is a key aspect of bee reproduction and genetics. The queen bee lays both fertilized and unfertilized eggs; fertilized eggs develop into female bees—either workers or queens—while unfertilized eggs develop solely into drones.

This mechanism ensures that drones can be produced without the need for fertilization, supporting the mating and genetic diversity of the colony. The developmental pathways of the eggs are dictated by the presence or absence of sperm from the queen, which is why unfertilized eggs solely lead to drone production. This reproductive strategy is vital for maintaining the bee population and supporting the colony's function and dynamics.