40 Questions
What do cicadas feed on during the nymph stage?
Tree Roots and Sap
What is the primary purpose of long tubular structures in cicadas?
To place eggs into tree bark
What is characteristic of Periodical Broods?
They emerge at specific intervals depending on the brood
How do cicadas typically travel to the tops of trees?
They fly
What happens to adult cicadas after they mate and lay eggs?
They die and decompose
What is the significance of the decomposition of adult cicadas' bodies?
It provides nutrients to the surrounding environment
At what stage of their life cycle do cicadas burrow into the ground?
After they hatch from eggs
What is the result of the cycle of cicada life stages?
The enrichment of the surrounding environment
What is a notable characteristic of cicadas' life cycle?
Their incredible transformations throughout their life cycle
What is an example of the adaptability of cicadas?
Their ability to undergo incredible transformations throughout their life cycle
What is the primary purpose of the loud buzzing noises produced by male cicadas?
To attract female cicadas
What happens to the bodies of adult cicadas after they have mated and laid eggs?
They decompose and return nutrients to the soil
Where do female cicadas typically lay their eggs?
In the branches of trees
What is the result of the eggs hatching in the cicada lifecycle?
The birth of new nymphs
What is a characteristic of the cicada lifecycle?
Incredible transformations through different stages
What is unique about the emergence of Brood XIII and Brood XIX in the same year?
It is a rare occurrence.
How do cicadas spend most of their lives?
Underground, feeding on tree roots and growing slowly.
What determines the length of time a cicada brood spends underground?
The specific brood classification.
What do the two broods, XIII and XIX, have in common?
They are both periodical broods.
What happens to cicadas after they emerge from the ground?
They are ready to embark on a brief but intense journey above the surface.
What stage of the cicada lifecycle is characterized by burrowing into the ground?
Nymph Stage
What happens to adult cicadas after they have completed their reproductive cycle?
They die and decompose.
What is the primary purpose of cicada nymphs burrowing into the ground?
To feed on roots and undergo molts.
Which stage of the cicada lifecycle is not directly involved in the reproductive cycle?
Nymph Stage
What is the primary function of a cicada's strong front legs during the nymph stage?
To burrow into the soil
What triggers a cicada's transition from the nymph stage to the adult stage?
Reaching a certain age
What is a key characteristic of cicada populations that emerge in large numbers?
They have a long, underground developmental phase.
What is the term for the phenomenon where large numbers of cicadas emerge from the ground at the same time?
Cicada emergence
What is a characteristic of the life cycle of cicadas?
They have a distinct larval stage
How do cicadas typically travel to the tops of trees after emerging from the ground?
By flying
What is the purpose of the loud buzzing noises produced by male cicadas?
To attract female cicadas
What pattern do cicadas typically follow during their emergence?
They emerge in large groups, synchronized by geographic location
What is the term used to classify groups of cicadas that emerge at the same time?
Brood
What is the primary location where cicadas attach themselves during the nymph stage?
Tree roots
How long do adult cicadas typically live?
Several weeks
What is a characteristic of periodical broods of cicadas?
They emerge after a specific period of underground development, such as 13 or 17 years
What is a characteristic of cicadas' underground habits?
They feed on plant roots and other underground organisms
What happens to the cicada's exoskeleton after it emerges from the ground as an adult?
It is discarded
What is the term for the stage of a cicada's life cycle where it is underground and feeding on tree sap?
Nymph stage
What is the purpose of a cicada's tymbals?
To produce a loud buzzing noise
Study Notes
Cicada Lifecycle
- Cicadas go through a remarkable lifecycle with fascinating transformations.
- The lifecycle of a cicada includes egg, nymph, and adult stages.
Egg Stage
- Female cicadas lay eggs in tree branches.
- Eggs hatch after a few weeks, giving rise to nymphs.
Nymph Stage
- Nymphs are wingless and resemble small versions of adult cicadas.
- Nymphs immediately drop from trees to the ground, where they burrow into the soil using their strong front legs.
- Nymphs attach themselves to tree roots and feed on sap, growing larger and molting several times as they mature.
- The nymph stage lasts for either 13 or 17 years, depending on the brood.
Adult Stage
- Cicada nymphs emerge from the ground as fully grown adult cicadas in large numbers, known as a "cicada emergence" or "cicada swarm."
- Adult cicadas shed their exoskeletons, revealing their wings and vibrant colors.
- Adult cicadas have large, transparent wings, which they use to fly to the tops of trees.
- The adult stage of a cicada's life is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks to a few months, depending on the species.
Mating and Reproduction
- Adult cicadas spend their short lives mating and reproducing.
- Male cicadas produce loud buzzing noises by vibrating special structures called tymbals located on their abdomen, serving as mating calls to attract female cicadas.
- Once mating occurs, female cicadas lay eggs in the branches of trees, starting the lifecycle anew.
Death and Decomposition
- After mating and laying eggs, adult cicadas eventually die.
- Their bodies decompose, returning valuable nutrients to the soil, which enriches the surrounding environment.
- The cycle then repeats as the eggs hatch, and new nymphs burrow into the ground to begin their journey underground.
This quiz covers the life cycle and behavior of cicadas, including their feeding habits, reproduction, and physical characteristics. Learn about the different stages of a cicada's life, from egg to adult, and how they interact with their environment.
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