What do bees primarily forage for outside the hive?

Bees primarily forage for nectar, pollen, water, and resins outside the hive. Nectar is a crucial food source, providing the sugars that bees convert into honey, which serves as their energy source during winter months or times when food is scarce. Pollen is also essential, as it is the main protein source for the colony, particularly for feeding developing larvae. Water is vital for maintaining the right humidity levels in the hive and is also used in honey production. Resins are collected by bees to make propolis, which they use for hive sanitation and as a building material to seal cracks and openings.

This combination of foraged items supports the entire hive's health and productivity, making it essential for bees to gather these resources efficiently. In contrast, the other options include items like honey, bee bread, or exclusively propolis, which are not foraged by bees in the same way; honey is produced from nectar, bee bread is made from pollen, and propolis is a product of resin foraging, not a direct target in foraging behavior. Thus, option B accurately captures the primary resources that bees actively seek out from their environment.