What anatomical feature do bees use to transport pollen?

Bees utilize pollen baskets, also known as corbiculae, to transport pollen effectively back to their hives. These specialized structures are located on the hind legs of certain bee species, particularly honeybees and bumblebees. The anatomical design of the pollen basket is ideal for collecting and holding large amounts of pollen grains, which the bees gather from flowers during foraging.

The pollen is packed tightly into these baskets, secured by a combination of the bees' leg hairs and their grooming behavior. This method of transport is efficient, allowing bees to collect ample pollen, which is crucial for feeding their brood and sustaining the hive.

In contrast, mandibles are primarily used for grasping and manipulating objects, wings are crucial for flight, and stingers are defensive tools. While all these features play essential roles in a bee's life, they are not specialized for pollen transport as the pollen baskets are.