Evolutionary History of Bee Hives

Beekeeping is one of the most widespread agricultural activities that are practiced all over the world. Bee hive construction varies from one area to the other. The traditional bee hive was initiated in an attempt to utilize the cheap and plentiful local materials for hive construction. Modern bee hives on the other hand adopt the principle of having a box-like enclosure with removable top or frames, which facilitate routing inspection of the established colonies. Several modifications and inventions of beehives have been made due to the need to manipulate them in order to achieve the ever increasing human needs. This range from improved fixed comb hives to movable frame hives. Constructing the correct beehive structure requires a clear understanding of honeybee species, their behaviour and climatic conditions.