Right now, something truly amazing is happening that won’t occur again for another 221 years. Up to a trillion cicadas are emerging from the ground to become adults, find mates, and then die. These cicadas belong to different groups called broods, which are regional subpopulations. All the cicadas in a brood come out of the ground in the same year, and they do so in massive numbers. This is a clever survival strategy because there are so many of them that predators can’t possibly eat them all.
In the United States, there are 12 broods of cicadas that emerge every 17 years and three broods that come out every 13 years. The year 2024 is particularly special because two of these broods will emerge at the same time. You might have noticed that 17 and 13 are prime numbers, meaning they can only be divided by themselves and one. Scientists think that cicadas evolved to emerge in these prime number cycles to make it difficult for predators to sync their life cycles with the cicadas. This also means that a 13-year brood and a 17-year brood only come out together once every 221 years. The last time this happened, Thomas Jefferson was the president of the United States!
Scientists are still trying to figure out how cicadas can count exactly 13 or 17 years while underground. It’s a mystery hidden in their DNA. But one thing is for sure: when they emerge, it’s going to be loud! Cicadas are known for their distinctive buzzing sound, which can be heard for miles. This sound is made by males to attract females for mating.
So, get ready for an incredible natural event and keep an ear out for the cicadas’ chorus. It’s a fascinating example of nature’s wonders and a reminder of how much there is to learn about the world around us. Stay curious and keep exploring amazing science stories!
Design a colorful poster that illustrates the life cycle of cicadas. Include each stage from egg to adult, and highlight the unique 13-year and 17-year cycles. Use drawings, labels, and fun facts to make your poster informative and engaging.
Investigate why cicadas use prime numbers for their life cycles. Create a list of prime numbers up to 100 and discuss with your classmates how these numbers might help cicadas avoid predators. Present your findings in a short presentation.
Explore the sounds cicadas make by creating your own “cicada chorus.” Use simple instruments or everyday objects to mimic the buzzing sound. Record your sounds and compare them to actual cicada calls. Discuss why sound is important for cicadas.
Research and create a map showing the different cicada broods in the United States. Mark the regions where each brood emerges and note the years they appear. Share your map with the class and discuss any patterns you notice.
Imagine you are a cicada emerging after 17 years underground. Write a diary entry describing your experience, including what you see, hear, and feel. Share your diary with the class and discuss the challenges and wonders of cicada life.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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There’s something incredible happening right now that won’t happen again for 221 years. Up to a trillion cicadas are emerging from the earth to transform into adults, mate, and then die. There are regional subpopulations, or broods, of certain cicada species that all emerge from underground in the same year, by the billions. This is a survival strategy; predators simply can’t eat them all.
The U.S. is home to 12 broods that emerge every 17 years and three that emerge every 13 years. 2024 is special because two of these broods are coming out at the same time. You might have noticed that the 17 and 13-year cycles are prime numbers; they can only be divided by themselves and one. Scientists believe these cicadas evolved to emerge in these prime number cycles so that predators can’t synchronize their life cycles with the cicadas. This also means that a 13-year and a 17-year brood only align every 221 years. The last time these two emerged together, Thomas Jefferson was president.
Scientists still aren’t sure what in their DNA allows them to count precisely 13 and 17 years, but it’s going to get loud! Follow me for more awesome science stories.
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This version maintains the original meaning while removing any informal language and ensuring clarity.
Cicada – A type of insect known for its loud buzzing sound, often found in trees during the summer. – The cicada’s loud call could be heard throughout the forest as it perched on a tree branch.
Broods – Groups of young animals, especially birds or insects, that are born or hatched at the same time. – The cicada broods emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species.
Emerge – To come out into view or become visible, often after being hidden. – After spending years underground, the cicadas emerge to begin their life above ground.
Predators – Animals that hunt and eat other animals for food. – Birds and small mammals are common predators of cicadas, feeding on them when they emerge.
Cycles – Repeated sequences of events or processes, often occurring in a regular pattern. – The life cycles of cicadas are fascinating, with some species appearing only once every 17 years.
Years – Units of time, each consisting of 365 or 366 days, used to measure the duration of events. – Cicadas spend many years underground before they finally emerge to mate and lay eggs.
Science – The study of the natural world through observation and experiment. – In science class, we learned about the life cycle of cicadas and how they contribute to the ecosystem.
DNA – The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life, found in the cells of all living organisms. – Scientists study the DNA of cicadas to understand their unique life cycles and behaviors.
Mating – The process by which animals come together to reproduce and produce offspring. – After emerging, cicadas engage in mating rituals to ensure the continuation of their species.
Sound – Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person’s or animal’s ear. – The sound of cicadas is a familiar noise during the summer months, created by males calling to attract females.
