What might a beekeeper look for as a sign of increased distress in a colony?

A disorganized hive entrance can be a significant indicator of increased distress within a bee colony. When beekeepers observe a chaotic entrance, such as bees being aggressive, uncoordinated movements, or an inability to return with nectar and pollen efficiently, it often points to issues affecting the colony's well-being. These problems can originate from various sources, including attacks from pests like wax moths or varroa mites, environmental stressors, or competition with other colonies.

A disorganized entrance suggests that the bees are struggling to manage their normal activities, which can lead to increased vulnerability to predation and disease. In a healthy hive, the entrance is typically characterized by organized traffic, with bees moving in and out in a steady flow, indicating that the colony is functioning properly. Noticing such disarray would prompt further investigation into the colony's overall health.

The other options describe behaviors that do not necessarily indicate distress; for instance, regular patrolling can show that bees are alert and protecting their space, high pollen intake indicates good resources and foraging, and robust brood development typically reflects a thriving colony.