Cicada Swarm 2024

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Questions and Answers

Considering the scale of the cicada emergence and its historical context, what is the most likely reason this event is capturing significant public attention?

  • The opportunity to promote entomophagy (eating insects) through viral cicada recipe sharing.
  • The imminent threat these insects pose to human health and safety, necessitating widespread public health interventions.
  • The potential for widespread agricultural damage and economic disruption.
  • The rare convergence of two broods last seen during Thomas Jefferson's presidency offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. (correct)

Given scientists' statements about the cicadas being harmless, what is the most probable reason some individuals are sharing viral videos about cicada recipes?

  • The videos are shared as a form of humor and cultural commentary, leveraging the cicada emergence for entertainment. (correct)
  • There is a widespread and previously undocumented nutritional deficiency that cicadas can uniquely address.
  • These individuals are intentionally spreading misinformation to cause public panic.
  • These recipes are part of a coordinated effort by entomologists to control the cicada population through widespread consumption.

How does the planned cicada parade in Chicago likely aim to shape public perception amidst the anticipated emergence?

  • By fostering a sense of community and collective experience which diminishes fear and encourages engagement with the natural phenomenon. (correct)
  • By creating a spectacle that emphasizes the potential dangers and destructive capabilities of the emerging cicadas.
  • By deliberately exaggerating the scale of the emergence to attract tourists and boost local businesses.
  • By advocating for aggressive pest control measures to minimize the impact of the cicadas on the city's ecosystem.

Considering the scientists' perspective on the cicada emergence, what underlying sentiment is most likely driving their enthusiasm to educate the public?

<p>A genuine desire to promote scientific literacy and dispel misconceptions about the cicadas and other natural phenomena. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the historical context, potential ecological impact, and public reactions, which statement best encapsulates the broader significance of this double cicada emergence?

<p>It represents a unique opportunity to observe and learn from a rare biological event, and to reassess our relationship with the natural world. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a local news outlet were to run a story titled "Cicada-Geddon: Fact vs. Fiction," which of the following points would most likely be emphasized to counteract the exaggerated perception conveyed by the title?

<p>Expert interviews reassuring the public that cicadas pose minimal risk to humans and the environment, while highlighting the ecological value of the event. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be most effective if a gardener is concerned about cicadas damaging their small, young plants?

<p>Covering the plants with netting or cheesecloth to prevent cicadas from landing on them, while ensuring adequate sunlight and airflow. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a researcher aims to study the impact of the cicada emergence on local ecosystems, rather than focusing solely on population numbers, which research question would be most insightful?

<p>How does the sudden influx of cicada biomass affect nutrient cycling and the food web dynamics of local forests and fields? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the convergence of two cicada broods, what evolutionary advantage might this synchronized emergence provide to the cicadas themselves?

<p>Reduced vulnerability to predators due to sheer numbers, overwhelming their capacity to consume the cicadas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that the last similar double emergence occurred during Thomas Jefferson's presidency, what broader implications can be drawn about the predictability of natural phenomena and their intersection with human history?

<p>Historical records can enhance our understanding of recurring natural events, facilitating anticipation and informed response strategies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Double Cicada Emergence

The simultaneous emergence of two different cicada broods.

Cicada Population Estimate

Cicadas expected number emerging in 2024.

Last Double Emergence

The year of the last double emergence of cicada broods.

Cicada Impact on Humans/Environment

Harmless to humans and mostly harmless to the environment.

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Cicada Lifespan

A short but intense period.

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Cicada-Geddon

A humorous name associated with the emergence of cicadas

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Cicada Description

Winged, plant-eating insects.

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Study Notes

  • A record number of cicadas are expected to emerge in the next few months
  • Americans are bracing for the emergence of "massive loud bugs that fly everywhere."
  • A double emergence of two cicada broods is occurring across the Midwest and South
  • The overlapping broods are emerging in multiple states, including Illinois and Iowa
  • Some cicadas have already been spotted in the Carolinas this week

Cicada Numbers

  • The number of cicadas is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions to trillions

Historical Significance

  • The last time this phenomenon occurred was in 1803, during Thomas Jefferson's presidency

Public Reaction

  • The emergence is being called "Cicada-Geddon"
  • Chicago is planning a giant cicada parade with giant plastic cicadas
  • Some are sharing old viral videos about cicada recipes, like tempura-battered cicadas

Scientific Perspective

  • Scientists are excited to educate people about these winged, plant-eating insects
  • The sound of billions of cicadas is described as a "really big loud chainsaw"

Impact and Duration

  • Scientists stress that cicadas are completely harmless to humans
  • They are mostly harmless to the environment and plants
  • The only potential issue is if they completely cover a small, young plant, in which case, brushing them off is advised
  • The cicadas' lifespan will be short but epic

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