TED-Ed: If you're an adult mayfly you'll probably die before the end of this video | Luke M. Jacobus

Mayflies engage in a brief reproductive flight over freshwater bodies, with some species living only minutes as adults. They lack functional mouths and digestive systems, allowing more space for egg storage. Mayflies can reproduce through mating swarms or parthenogenesis. Their lifecycle includes a lengthy aquatic nymph stage, where they adapt to various habitats. Mayflies play crucial roles in ecosystems and are sensitive to water pollution, serving as indicators of environmental health.

What is the primary reason for the short adult lifespan of mayflies?

• They are affected by climate changes.

• They migrate to different habitats.

• They lack functional mouths and digestive systems.

• They are quickly eaten by predators.

How do some all-female mayfly populations reproduce without males?

• Through cloning

• By binary fission

• By budding

• Using parthenogenesis

During which stage do mayflies spend the majority of their lives?

• Larval stage

• Nymph stage

• Adult stage

• Egg stage

What adaptation helps burrowing mayflies survive in their environment?

• They produce toxins to deter predators.

• They have wings to fly away from predators.

• They use their legs and tusks to dig tunnels.

• They can change color to blend in.

Why are mayflies considered good indicators of water quality?

• They are resistant to pollution.

• They thrive in polluted waters.

• They are sensitive to water pollution.

• They can purify water.