What is the primary purpose of the sting in bees?

The primary purpose of the sting in bees is to defend the colony. Bees, particularly honeybees, have evolved to use their stings as a critical defense mechanism against predators and threats. When a bee uses its sting, it injects venom into the intruder, which can deter or incapacitate them. This defensive action is vital for protecting the hive, ensuring the safety of the queen, workers, and brood, and therefore the overall survival of the colony. The ability to sting is an adaptation that helps bees maintain their territory and safeguard their resources, which are essential for their collective well-being. While the other options may reference essential behaviors or characteristics of bees, they do not relate to the primary function of the sting itself.