> Allen Dick:
> The optimal number from the bees's
> point of view, is one hive per location.  Larger numbers increase
competition,
> and the chances of saturating the area with foragers ...

Such a low number of hives (one) per location would result in very poor
genetic diversity, would it not? Since this would affect long term survival,
I would think a higher density would be "optimal". Although "optimal" might
be one hive placed every couple hundred yards or so, rather than all on top
of each other (as humans are more likely to prefer), within the foraging
(and breeding area).

Karen

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