How does the length of a drone's tongue compare to that of a worker bee?

The correct answer is that a drone's tongue is shorter than that of a worker bee. This distinction is primarily related to their roles within the hive. Worker bees, which are responsible for foraging for nectar and pollen, have longer tongues that enable them to access nectar from a variety of flowers. This adaptation is crucial for their role in the colony's food production and overall foraging efficiency.

Drones, on the other hand, are primarily focused on reproduction and do not gather nectar or pollen. Their shorter tongues are sufficient for their needs, as they do not engage in the same foraging behaviors as worker bees. This physiological difference reflects the specialization of roles within the hive, ensuring that each type of bee can effectively fulfill its purpose. The other options, such as varying lengths or being the same, do not reflect the comparative anatomy and functional roles of these different bee types within the colony.