What describes a characteristic of a barbed stinger?

A barbed stinger is a significant adaptation in honeybees that helps ensure the delivery of venom to the target. When a honeybee stings, the barbs on the stinger anchor it more securely in the skin of its target. As the bee attempts to fly away, the stinger, along with the attached venom sac, remains embedded in the target, allowing for a more effective transfer of venom. This is an essential defense mechanism that helps the bee defend its hive even at the cost of its own life, as the bee will generally die after losing its stinger.

The other characteristics listed do not accurately describe the function of a barbed stinger. For instance, the design of the barbed stinger does not facilitate easy removal after stinging; rather, it makes removal difficult. Improvement in flight ability is unrelated to the stinger's design, and the notion of reducing the risk of over-stinging does not align with the bee's natural behavior, as bees typically sting only when they feel threatened. Thus, the primary function of the barbed stinger is to ensure that venom remains in the target to maximize the sting's effectiveness.