How do worker bees contribute to the hive's maintenance?

Worker bees play a crucial role in the maintenance of the hive, primarily through tasks such as cleaning the hive and caring for the brood. These activities are essential for maintaining a healthy environment within the hive. Cleaning involves removing debris, dead bees, and waste products, which helps to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Additionally, worker bees care for the brood (the eggs, larvae, and pupae), ensuring they are protected, fed, and kept at the appropriate temperature. This nurturing of the brood is vital for the colony's growth and sustainability, as the next generation of bees is dependent on the health and safety provided by the workers.

The other choices highlight different roles that other bees or organisms might have but are not the primary functions of worker bees concerning hive maintenance. For example, while laying eggs is the role of the queen bee, and hunting for food or controlling temperature might involve different groups of bees or roles typically outside the worker bees’ primary maintenance duties.