Every 17 years there comes a time when millions of cicadas emerge from the ground and fill the air with their loud sounds. This phenomenon, called the “cicada year,” lasts only a few weeks, but leaves a vivid impression on all who encounter this unique natural phenomenon.
Cicadas are large insects that spend most of their lives underground, feeding on the sap of tree and shrub roots. Once every 17 years, however, they come to the surface to procreate and die.
One of the most mysterious parts of the cicada life cycle is how they synchronize their emergence. As scientists explain, cicadas live in the ground as larvae that spend 17 years underground feeding on plant roots. When the time comes, they come to the surface and start looking for breeding partners.
However, the most interesting thing about this phenomenon is that the cicadas appear at the same time in huge numbers. As scientists explain, this happens because cicadas use a special mechanism to synchronize their appearance. They count the time they spend underground by perceiving the temperature of the environment.
When the temperature of the ground reaches a certain point, the cicadas begin to come to the surface. Their emergence occurs simultaneously because they all count time in the same way.
However, so far, scientists have not been able to completely unravel all the mysteries of cicada life. Some researchers believe that cicadas use not only temperature, but also other factors, such as smells and sounds, to synchronize their appearance.
Scientists are also continuing to study cicadas to see how they might affect the ecosystem. Some studies have shown that cicadas can have positive effects on the health of forests and other ecosystems.
Although cicadas can be a nuisance with their loud noises, they remain an amazing natural phenomenon that continues to pique the interest of scientists and the public.
