What is the primary feature of the waggle dance performed by bees?

The primary feature of the waggle dance performed by bees is its ability to convey information about food sources that are located at significant distances from the hive, particularly when the food is more than about 88 yards away. During the ritualized movements of the dance, the foraging bee will perform a series of movements that include a straight run to indicate direction, followed by a return phase that creates a figure-eight pattern. The angle of the waggle run relative to the sun indicates the direction to the food source, while the duration of the dance conveys the distance.

This sophisticated method of communication is crucial for the colony's foraging efficiency, enabling other bees to locate resources that are not immediately visible to them. In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of what the waggle dance signifies in terms of distance and purpose within the social structure of bees. For instance, food sources within shorter distances or signals related to hive duties are communicated through different behaviors, not specifically through the waggle dance itself.