What is true about the diet of a queen bee compared to other bees?

The diet of a queen bee is unique and specifically tailored to her role within the hive. The queen is fed a larger amount of royal jelly, which is a specially produced substance secreted by nurse bees. This nutrient-rich jelly is essential for the development of the queen, especially during her larval stage, and it influences her growth and reproductive capability.

Royal jelly is significantly more abundant in protein and essential nutrients compared to the diet of worker bees, which consists mainly of pollen and nectar. The exclusive consumption of royal jelly allows the queen to develop her reproductive organs fully, enabling her to lay thousands of eggs each day throughout her life, a key function for the continuity of the hive's population.

Other options point to misconceptions about the queen’s diet. For example, while worker bees do consume a diet that includes nectar and pollen, the queen’s need for royal jelly distinctly sets her apart. Additionally, saying she only consumes pollen or is fed honey exclusively misrepresents the queen’s dietary preferences and the critical role of royal jelly in her life cycle and reproductive success. Thus, the emphasis on the larger amount of royal jelly she receives highlights the importance of this diet in ensuring her vitality and effectiveness as the colony’s reproductive leader.