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 a large, loud insect with long transparent wings, 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 is the cicada loud, but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it is male cicadas that are the noisy ones, to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, which is like the roar of a loud engine. This is because male cicadas make a strident, high buzzing by vibrating two membranes on their 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 whereafter the female deposits the eggs into the bark. 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 Magiccodo, or periodical cicadas, which regularly…
Which of the following best describes the theme of this passage?
A.
Media attention to cicadas can also bring attention to climate change.
B.
Media attention to cicadas is as predictable as cicada life cycles.
C.
Disinformation in the media is responsible for conflicting information about the cicada life cycle.
D.
Disinformation in the media falsely identifies climate change as the root cause of the cicada’s near extinction.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The best answer is B. Media attention to cicadas is as predictable as cicada life cycles.
Explanation:
This passage discusses cicadas, particularly their life cycles and the recent media attention surrounding them. The theme centers on the cyclical nature of cicadas and the predictable timing of their emergence from underground, which parallels the media’s recurring focus on them when they appear. The author establishes a clear link between the biological patterns of cicadas and how these patterns influence media coverage.
Cicadas have a well-documented life cycle, with many species, particularly the periodical cicadas, emerging in regular intervals, such as every 13 or 17 years. The passage emphasizes how their emergence and the subsequent mating rituals capture public and media interest, just as their life cycle does. The phrase “as predictably as the cicadas themselves” reinforces the idea that media coverage follows a natural rhythm akin to the cicadas’ lifecycle.
Option A suggests a connection to climate change, which is not supported by the passage’s content. While cicadas are discussed in relation to their emergence, the focus is primarily on their biological traits and behaviors rather than environmental issues. Options C and D both imply that the passage addresses disinformation or conflicting information about cicadas, which is not the case. The text provides factual information about cicadas without suggesting that misinformation is a significant issue.
Thus, the passage illustrates how the media’s attention on cicadas aligns with their predictable life cycles, making option B the most accurate representation of its theme. This understanding allows readers to appreciate the natural phenomena while recognizing the media’s role in highlighting them, particularly during cyclical events like cicada emergences.