Cicadas: Nature's Timed Phenomenon

Cicadas: Nature's Timed Phenomenon

Assessment

Interactive Video

Biology, Science

6th - 10th Grade

Hard

Created by

Lucas Foster

FREE Resource

Cicadas are insects that live underground for most of their lives, emerging every 13 or 17 years in massive numbers to molt, mate, and die. This synchronized emergence overwhelms predators, ensuring some cicadas survive to reproduce. Cicadas are known for their loud mating calls, which can reach up to 100 decibels. They face various predators and parasites, including the Massospora fungus. The reason for their specific emergence cycles remains uncertain, though it may relate to prime numbers. After mating, cicadas lay eggs, continuing the cycle for future generations.

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10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the primary activity of cicadas during their 17-year underground phase?

Feeding on plant roots

Building nests

Hibernating

Searching for mates

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How often do some broods of cicadas emerge?

Every 5 years

Every 13 or 17 years

Every 10 years

Every 20 years

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the primary purpose of the loud noise made by male cicadas?

To mark their territory

To communicate with other insects

To attract female mates

To scare away predators

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What unusual behavior might male cicadas exhibit when they hear a chainsaw?

They dig underground

They flock towards it

They fly away

They become silent

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What does the Massospora fungus do to cicadas?

Protects them from predators

Enhances their mating calls

Eats them alive and spreads spores

Helps them molt

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why is the synchronized emergence of cicadas advantageous?

It helps them find food

It ensures some survive to reproduce

It confuses predators

It allows them to migrate

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is one reason why cicadas might have a 13 or 17-year cycle?

To outlive predator lifespans

To avoid human activity

To align with lunar cycles

To synchronize with plant growth

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