Which of the following is part of the cooling methods used by honey bees?

Evaporative cooling is a vital method used by honey bees to regulate the temperature within the hive, especially during hot weather. When temperatures rise, bees will collect water and deposit it throughout the hive. They then fan their wings to create airflow, which facilitates the evaporation of the water. This process effectively lowers the temperature in the hive, similar to how sweat cools the human body when it evaporates.

While the other methods listed can be beneficial for hive management, they do not serve the same direct cooling function that evaporative cooling does. Insulating the hive can help keep it warm during cold temperatures but does not promote cooling. Building new comb is a crucial aspect of hive construction and expansion but does not impact temperature regulation. Reducing the hive entrance can aid in protecting the hive from predators and regulating airflow but is not primarily focused on cooling. Thus, evaporative cooling stands out as the specific mechanism through which bees actively manage heat within the hive.