Which of the following is NOT a function of the worker bees?

Worker bees play multiple vital roles within the hive, contributing to its overall functionality and health. One of the primary tasks of worker bees is brood care, which involves nurturing and feeding the developing larvae. Another critical function is foraging for nectar, pollen, and water, which are essential for food and hive maintenance. Additionally, worker bees are responsible for cleaning the hive, ensuring it remains hygienic and free from debris or disease.

In contrast, the role of egg laying is primarily the responsibility of the queen bee. The queen is the only female in the colony that reproduces, laying eggs that will develop into new bees. This distinction separates the queen's function from those of the worker bees, highlighting that while worker bees perform multiple tasks to support the colony, they do not lay eggs. Thus, recognizing that egg laying is the exclusive duty of the queen clarifies why this function does not belong to worker bees.