Cicada Broods XIX & XIII: A Dual Emergence

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Questions and Answers

Why do researchers believe periodical cicadas emerge in 13 or 17-year cycles?

  • To coincide with specific environmental conditions that occur only during prime-numbered years.
  • To ensure genetic diversity through cross-breeding with other cicada broods that emerge in prime-numbered intervals.
  • Because their food source, sap from tree roots, peaks in nutritional value during prime-numbered years.
  • To overwhelm potential predators, as prime number lifecycles make it difficult for predators to synchronize with their emergence. (correct)

What is the most significant ecological contribution of cicadas after they lay their eggs?

  • Providing a substantial source of biomass that enriches the soil with nitrogen as they decompose. (correct)
  • Aerating the soil through burrowing, improving soil structure for plant growth.
  • Facilitating the pollination of various plant species during their mating flights.
  • Controlling the population of ground-dwelling insects by preying on them in their nymph stage.

Which of the following describes a potential consequence of female cicadas laying eggs in young trees?

  • Stunted growth or death of the tree because the incisions disrupt nutrient flow. (correct)
  • Increased resistance to fungal infections as a result of the tree's response to the egg-laying process.
  • Enhanced root development due to the tree allocating more resources to repair the damaged branches.
  • Improved fruit yield due to the natural pruning effect of egg-laying incisions.

Given the simultaneous emergence of Broods XIX and XIII, what long-term ecological impact might be observed in the overlapping regions?

<p>A temporary shift in plant community composition as certain species benefit from the nitrogen boost provided by decaying cicada bodies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the overlapping of Brood XIX and Brood XIII is considered a 'rare occurrence'?

<p>The 13 and 17-year cycles are prime numbers, and the least common multiple of these cycles results in long intervals between simultaneous emergence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can understanding the periodical cicadas' life cycle inform agricultural practices to mitigate potential damage?

<p>By adjusting planting schedules to avoid the years when cicada emergence is predicted, minimizing the exposure of young trees. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the impact of cicada swarms, what long-term strategy could be implemented to balance ecological benefits and minimize nuisance?

<p>Educating the public about the ecological role of cicadas and promoting tolerance of their presence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a new predator were introduced into an environment with periodical cicadas, what characteristic would give it the least advantage in preying on them?

<p>A life cycle synchronized to match the cicadas' 13 or 17-year emergence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might climate change influence the emergence patterns of periodical cicadas, and what could be the potential consequences?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason why cicada broods are not expected to overlap significantly, even when they emerge in the same year?

<p>Distinct geographical distributions limit the areas where both broods are present, minimizing potential interactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Rare cicada event

Two broods of periodical cicadas emerging at the same time.

Cicada brood cycles

Brood XIX surfaces every 13 years, Brood XIII every 17 years.

Cicada lifestyle

Spending most of their lives underground feeding off tree roots.

Prime number theory

Prime numbered life cycles avoid predictable predation.

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Cicada impact on humans

Harmless to humans, but can be a nuisance with their noise and swarms.

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Cicada damage

Slits created for laying eggs can damage young trees.

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Cicada benefits

Adult cicada bodies provide nutrients for soil and food for animals.

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Cicada lifecycle

A new generation burrows into the soil to live underground.

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Study Notes

  • Trillions of noisy cicadas are expected to emerge in 16 US states from Maryland to Oklahoma and Illinois to Alabama.
  • Two broods of periodical cicadas, Brood XIX and Brood XIII, will emerge simultaneously, an event that last occurred in 1803.
  • Brood XIX consists of four species that surface every 13 years.
  • Brood XIII consists of three species that appears every 17 years.
  • This rare event won't happen again until 2245.
  • The cicadas have already begun to emerge in some areas.
  • The numbers are expected to peak for a two-to-three-week period starting mid-May.
  • The two broods are expected to come close in many states
  • The two broods will only overlap in Illinois and Iowa.

About Periodical Cicadas

  • Periodical cicadas spend most of their lives underground.
  • They feed off sap from tree roots.
  • The black, shrimp-sized bugs have red, beady eyes.
  • They emerge every 13 or 17 years to reproduce and die soon after.

Why 13 or 17 Years?

  • Cicadas emerge after prime numbers of years to avoid becoming predictable prey for predators with even-numbered lifespans.
  • It ensures predators can't depend on them.
  • It is unknown how the cicadas know when it is time to emerge.

Are Cicadas Dangerous?

  • Cicadas are harmless to humans.
  • Their massive swarms can be daunting and a nuisance.
  • The male cicadas' loud, high-pitched drone reaches 90 decibels.
  • The noise is used to attract females
  • The noise can be extremely annoying.
  • Female cicadas lay eggs in slender twigs or vines.
  • The incisions made to deposit their eggs often sever the food supply, causing the branch to wilt.
  • Mature trees can withstand this damage.
  • Young fruit or nursery trees get stunted or killed.
  • Experts suggest covering young trees with nets during the cicada onslaught.
  • Adult cicadas die soon after laying eggs.
  • Their bodies provide a feast for animals and nitrogen for growing trees.
  • The eggs hatch in 4-6 weeks.
  • The new generation of cicadas burrows into the soil to live underground for the next 13 or 17 years.

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