What is the role of the queen bee in the colony?

The queen bee's primary role in the colony is to lay eggs and contribute to colony reproduction. She is the only fertile female in the hive and is responsible for producing the next generation of bees. The queen can lay thousands of eggs during her lifetime, ensuring that the colony maintains its population and functions effectively. Her presence also helps regulate the colony's activities through pheromones that influence the behavior of the worker bees, reinforcing her pivotal role in the sustainability and organization of the hive.

In contrast, other roles such as foraging for food, building the hive, or guarding the hive are typically performed by worker bees. These bees are responsible for gathering nectar and pollen, constructing and repairing the hive, and protecting the colony from intruders. While these activities are essential for the colony's survival, they do not fall within the specific responsibilities of the queen. Understanding the queen's function is crucial for appreciating the structure and dynamics of a beehive.