What is the role of Johnson's organ in honey bees?

The role of Johnson's organ in honey bees is primarily associated with flight speed detection. This specialized sensory structure is located at the base of the antennae and plays a critical role in helping bees measure their speed while in flight. It functions by responding to the motion of the air as the bees move, allowing them to adjust their flight dynamics accordingly. This capability is vital for navigation and foraging, enabling bees to efficiently locate food sources and return to the hive.

While the other options pertain to different aspects of bee behavior or physiology, they do not accurately reflect the specific function of Johnson's organ. The feeding mechanism, temperature sensing, and nest building involve other structures and processes within the bee's anatomy. For example, feeding is primarily facilitated by the proboscis, temperature sensing is handled through specialized nerve cells and other sensory organs, and nest building is a complex behavior involving multiple factors, including the use of wax produced by the bees themselves.