Read the following passage and choose the best answers.
Hexagonal Honeycomb Cells
Imagine a honeycomb. It has hundreds of
small cells. What shape is each cell? Is it a circle,
square, hexagon, or octagon? A honeycomb cell
has six sides, so it is a hexagon. Honeybees lay
eggs inside these hexagonal cells and store their
honey in them. But why are all honeycomb cells
shaped the same?
First, a hexagonal shape saves more space than other shapes. What if bees built their honeycomb cells with circular shapes? There would be gaps between the circles. A hexagonal shape doesn’t leave gaps and therefore saves space.
What about a triangular or square shape? Both of these fit together without gaps. But more wax is needed to make them. A hexagonal shape uses less wax.
Hexagonal shapes can sit safely and tightly against each other. This makes the honeycomb structure very strong. So it rarely breaks. Smart honeybees know that the hexagonal shape is perfect for them. It makes good use of space and material. It also strengthens the honeycomb so that honey can be safely stored.
First, a hexagonal shape saves more space than other shapes. What if bees built their honeycomb cells with circular shapes? There would be gaps between the circles. A hexagonal shape doesn’t leave gaps and therefore saves space.
What about a triangular or square shape? Both of these fit together without gaps. But more wax is needed to make them. A hexagonal shape uses less wax.
Hexagonal shapes can sit safely and tightly against each other. This makes the honeycomb structure very strong. So it rarely breaks. Smart honeybees know that the hexagonal shape is perfect for them. It makes good use of space and material. It also strengthens the honeycomb so that honey can be safely stored.
