Which statement correctly identifies the social structure of bumblebees?

Bumblebees are classified as social insects, which is a key characteristic of their behavior and life cycle. This means they live in colonies that usually consist of a queen, female workers, and male bees. The social structure allows for division of labor among individuals, where the queen primarily focuses on reproduction, while the female workers engage in foraging, nest maintenance, and caring for the young. This cooperative living arrangement enhances their ability to gather resources and raise offspring, thereby increasing their chances of survival compared to solitary insects.

In contrast, other choices highlight misconceptions about bumblebee behavior. For instance, asserting that they are solitary insects or that they do not form colonies overlooks the communal aspects of their life. The notion of a single caste also misrepresents their structure, as bumblebee colonies typically include multiple castes (queen, workers, and males) that each play distinct roles within the community. Understanding the social nature of bumblebees is vital for grasping their ecological significance and the dynamics of their populations within ecosystems.