Which one of the following statements is NOT true for the honeybees and beehives ?

The correct answer is Male bees are very important for the hives.

Let us analyze the statements regarding honeybees and beehives:

1. Every beehive has one queen bee that lays eggs: This is true. The queen bee is the only female in the hive that reproduces and lays eggs.

2. Most of the bees in the hive are worker bees: This is true. Worker bees are female bees that perform all the major duties such as collecting nectar, building the hive, and taking care of the offspring.

3. There are only a few males in the hive: This is true. Male bees, also known as drones, exist in relatively small numbers compared to worker bees.

4. Male bees are very important for the hives: This statement is NOT true. Drones (male bees) do not collect food, build the hive, or defend it; their primary role is mating with a virgin queen. They do not contribute to the work required to maintain the hive, making them not essential for hive maintenance duties.

Therefore, the statement that is NOT true is "Male bees are very important for the hives."