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 is the most likely reason male cicadas make a buzzing sound?

A. "Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing..."

B. "...the male cicada makes a strident, high buzzing by vibrating two membranes on its abdomen called tymbals..."

C. "...the cicada is a large, loud insect

D. "...the female deposits the eggs into the bark."

A. A historical Japanese military document outlining how to damage enemy morale

B. A brochure about women's contributions to the U.S. war effort

C. A personal memoir from an injured naval officer who fought in the Pacific theater

D. A newspaper clipping from The Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 1944

A. No competitions exist for the best mustache.

B. The writer is a professional barber.

C. The writer enjoys having a beard.

D. Mustaches cannot easily be styled.