What is the expected number of worker bees, drones, and queens in a typical honey bee colony?

In a typical honey bee colony, the expected number of worker bees, drones, and queens aligns with the characteristics of honey bee social structure. In a colony, there is typically one queen whose primary role is to lay eggs, thousands of worker bees that perform various tasks essential for the colony's survival and productivity, and a smaller number of drones whose sole purpose is to mate with a queen during the mating season.

The presence of thousands of worker bees is vital as they are responsible for foraging for food, caring for the queen and brood, cleaning the hive, and maintaining the overall health of the colony. The hundreds of drones are present mainly during the warmer months when mating occurs. Their number is much lower than that of the workers since not all drones survive, and they are expelled from the hive after the mating season ends. This cohesive structure allows the colony to function efficiently.

The other options do not accurately reflect the population dynamics of a honey bee colony. For instance, stating a mere ten drones or fifty workers does not represent the typical ratios found in a functional colony, where the worker population is significantly larger. Therefore, the correct choice effectively captures the reality of honey bee colony composition.