What term describes the organized social structure within a bee colony?

The term that describes the organized social structure within a bee colony is "caste." In a bee colony, there are specific roles that bees play, which can be categorized into different castes. The primary castes include the queen, workers, and drones, each performing distinct functions necessary for the survival and productivity of the colony. The queen's role is primarily reproductive, workers perform tasks such as foraging, nursing, and maintaining the hive, while drones are involved in mating with queens. This caste system is essential for the efficiency and organization of the colony, allowing it to thrive in its environment.

Other terms like hierarchy, community, and swarm do not accurately capture the specific social structure of bees. While "hierarchy" might suggest a ranking within the colony, it does not adequately reflect the distinct functional roles characterized by caste. "Community" refers to a broader group of organisms living together but lacks the specificity regarding roles found in a bee colony. "Swarm" refers to a group of bees, usually during a reproductive phase of the colony, but it does not describe the ongoing social structure that defines the colony's organization.