Final answer:
Worker bees cannot reproduce like queen bees due to their reproductive specialization and division of labor within the honey bee colony.
Step-by-step explanation:
Worker bees and queen bees both develop from unfertilized eggs, but they have different roles in the hive. Worker bees are sterile and cannot reproduce, while queen bees are fertile and responsible for laying eggs to produce more bees.
The reproductive strategy of honey bees benefits the survival of the species by allowing for a division of labor. The worker bees focus on tasks like foraging, building the hive, and caring for the young, while the queen bee's primary role is to reproduce and ensure the continuation of the colony.
Unlike worker bees, queen bees have specialized structures and glands that allow them to produce eggs and mate with drones. This reproductive specialization is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive honey bee colony.