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

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

Let us analyze the statements about honeybees and beehives to determine which one is NOT true:

1. Every beehive has one queen bee that lays eggs: This statement is true. A colony has a single queen bee whose primary function is to lay eggs and populate the hive.

2. Most of the bees in the hive are worker bees: This statement is true. The vast majority of the population in a hive consists of female worker bees that collect nectar, build the hive, protect it, and care for the young.

3. There are only a few males in the hive: This statement is true. Male bees (drones) make up a small fraction of the hive's total population.

4. Male bees are very important for the hives: This statement is NOT true in terms of daily hive management and work. Male bees (drones) do not collect food, protect the hive, or build honeycombs. Their main role is mating with a queen. In fact, male bees have no special role as worker bees and are often considered to have very little work within the hive itself.

Therefore, the false statement among the choices is that male bees are very important for the hives.