Final answer:
Royal jelly is a substance secreted by worker bees and plays multiple roles in honeybee colonies, including providing nutrition, stimulating reproduction, and extending the lifespan of the queen bee.
Step-by-step explanation:
Royal jelly is a substance secreted by worker bees in honeybee colonies. It is fed exclusively to the queen bee throughout her entire lifespan. Royal jelly serves several important functions in honeybees:
- Nutrition: Royal jelly is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, providing essential nutrition for the queen bee.
- Reproduction: Royal jelly stimulates the development of the queen bee's reproductive organs, allowing her to lay eggs.
- Longevity: The specialized diet of royal jelly significantly extends the lifespan of the queen bee compared to other bees in the colony.
By having a queen bee that is well-nourished and capable of extensive reproduction, honeybees can ensure the survival and growth of their colony.