Why do workers bees defend the queen?

Kin selection: Worker bees are closely related to the queen bee, sharing the same mother. This means that they share a large proportion of their genes, and so it is in their genetic interest to protect the queen. By defending the queen, they are helping to ensure the survival of their own genetic material.

Reproduction: The queen bee is the only reproductive female in the hive, and so she is essential for the survival of the colony. If the queen were to die, the colony would eventually die out as the worker bees would not be able to reproduce. By defending the queen, the worker bees are ensuring their own survival and the survival of their colony.

Division of labor: In a bee colony, the worker bees are responsible for a variety of tasks, including foraging for food, cleaning the hive, and caring for the young bees. The queen bee is responsible for laying eggs, and so she is not able to perform these other tasks. By defending the queen, the worker bees are ensuring that she can focus on her essential role of reproduction, which is critical for the survival of the colony.

Communication: Worker bees communicate with each other through a variety of chemical signals. These signals can be used to convey information about food sources, danger, and the location of the queen. By defending the queen, the worker bees are ensuring that these communication channels remain open, which is essential for the smooth functioning of the colony.