What does the term "swarming" refer to in bee behavior?

Swarming is a natural reproductive process in honeybee colonies where a portion of the colony divides to form a new colony. This behavior typically occurs during warmer months when the colony's population has increased and resources are abundant. The queen bee, along with a significant number of worker bees, leaves the original hive to establish a new colony. This process allows bees to expand their territory, reduce overcrowding in the original hive, and ensure the survival and continuation of their genetic lineage.

The other options do not accurately describe swarming. Finding food relates to foraging behavior, which is about searching for nectar and pollen, not colony reproduction. Seasonal maintenance refers to the various hive activities that take place throughout the year, such as cleaning or preparing for winter, rather than the splitting of the colony. Defense methods involve actions taken by bees to protect their hive from predators or intruders, which is different from the reproductive and colony expansion aspect of swarming.