What is all this talk of cicadas lately in the United States? You might be wondering why the media has featured it, but in fact, the discussion about cicadas has emerged about as predictably as the cicadas themselves from their underground refuge. Let’s get oriented with some background on cicadas.
What is a cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that the cicada is large, loud insect with long transparent wings and it is mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out. With delicate, translucent wings — and that not only are the cicadas loud, but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it is the male cicadas that are the noisy ones to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, with sound like the roar of a loud engine. This is because male cicadas make a strident, high buzzing sound by vibrating two membranes on the abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body into a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.
Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees wherever the female deposits the eggs into the bank. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for most of their lives over 6 feet underground with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for North American cicadas especially the mogucicada.
Which of the following events happens first after the male cicada calls to the female cicada, according to the passage?
A.
The male and female mate in the trees
B.
The female deposits the eggs
C.
Nymphs drop to the ground
D.
The female makes a clicking sound
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. The female makes a clicking sound.
Explanation:
In the passage, it is explained that male cicadas produce loud buzzing sounds using specialized structures called tymbals. This sound, typically between 80 and 100 decibels, is used to attract female cicadas for mating. The passage also mentions that female cicadas cannot replicate the loud buzzing sound. Instead, they respond to the males’ calls with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.
The key sequence in the mating process begins with the male cicada calling to the female cicada by buzzing. The female cicada, upon being ready to mate, responds by making a clicking sound. This clicking sound signifies her readiness to mate, indicating that this event occurs before mating actually happens, which is why option D is correct.
Here’s how the sequence unfolds:
- The male cicada calls: Male cicadas produce a loud buzzing sound to attract females.
- The female cicada responds: Female cicadas respond to the males’ buzzing with a clicking sound, indicating they are ready to mate.
- Mating occurs: Once the female has responded, the male and female mate.
- Eggs are deposited: After mating, the female deposits her eggs in trees.
- Nymphs hatch and burrow: The larval cicadas, called nymphs, hatch from the eggs, fall to the ground, and burrow underground.
Thus, the clicking sound from the female is the first thing to happen after the male cicada’s call. The other events—such as mating, egg deposition, and the nymphs burrowing into the ground—occur later in the process. Therefore, option D is the first event to occur after the male cicada’s call.