What is the primary role of the queen bee in a hive?

The primary role of the queen bee in a hive is to lay eggs. In a typical honey bee colony, the queen is the sole reproductive female, and her main function is to ensure the survival and continuity of the hive by laying thousands of eggs throughout her life. Her ability to produce a large number of eggs is crucial for population maintenance and the overall health of the colony.

While the other tasks mentioned are vital for the hive's functioning—such as gathering nectar, guarding the hive, and producing honey—these roles are primarily fulfilled by worker bees. Worker bees are responsible for foraging for nectar and pollen, protecting the hive from intruders, and engaging in the processes required for honey production. The queen's exclusive focus on reproduction distinguishes her role from that of other bees in the colony, emphasizing the importance of her egg-laying capabilities in maintaining the hive's structure and longevity.