Do worker bees have ovaries?

Worker bees do have ovaries, but they are not typically involved in laying eggs under normal circumstances. The primary reproductive function in a beehive is carried out by the queen, who is responsible for laying fertilized eggs that develop into worker bees and drones. Worker bees are usually sterile and their ovaries are underdeveloped, meaning that while they have the anatomical structure, they do not lay eggs as a queen does.

In scenarios where the queen is absent, some worker bees may develop their ovaries somewhat and can lay unfertilized eggs, which develop into drones. However, this is not the primary role of worker bees, and they primarily focus on other responsibilities within the colony, such as foraging, nursing, and hive maintenance. Therefore, while the workers have the capability from a biological perspective, they typically do not perform this function, which aligns with the specifics of the provided answer choice.