What is "comb building" in the context of beekeeping?

"Comb building" refers to the process by which bees create hexagonal wax cells in their hive. This is a fundamental activity in the life of a colony, as these hexagonal cells serve multiple vital functions. They are primarily used for storing honey and pollen as well as providing a space for the queen to lay eggs and for the developing brood (larvae and pupae) to grow. The bees secrete wax from special glands on their bodies, which they then mold into the distinctive hexagonal shapes. This design maximizes space efficiency and structural integrity, making it ideal for storing resources and fostering the next generation of bees.

In contrast, gathering nectar and pollen is an entirely different activity that focuses on foraging outside the hive, while harvesting honey refers to removing the honey stores from the hive for human consumption. Cleaning the hive interior is another maintenance task that involves removing debris and maintaining a healthy environment for the bees, but it does not involve the construction of comb itself. Hence, the correct answer identifies the core activity associated with the creation of the storage and brood chamber structures necessary for bee colony survival.