/

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 its 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. Wher 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 Magicicodo, or periodical cicadas, which regularly emerge in intervals of 13 or 17 years, depending on the species and the location. This is why talk of cicadas in the media is as predictable as their emergence in the US. Which of the following is the most likely reason male cicadas make a buzzing sound?

A. To attract a mate

B. To locate food sources

C. To orient via echolocation

D. To ward off predators

Answer Explanation:

The passage states that male cicadas make a strident, high buzzing sound to attract female cicadas when they are ready to mate. This indicates that the buzzing serves as a mating call to attract potential mates.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is A.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Reading

  • Q #1: In 1943, the war in the Pacific raged on. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt went to rally the troops' spirits, despite the disapproval of military command. Roosevelt planned a grueling itinerary. She visited several islands and hundreds of wounded in her first 6 days. The indefatigable First Lady inspected Navy hospitals, delivered a speech, attended receptions, and visited convalescing officers, all within 12 hours of her arrival. She lifted spirits among the wounded and morale among the troops. She continued her exhausting tour for a month, speaking to every patient in troop hospitals and taking down addresses to contact family members. Roosevelt traveled non-stop, risked her life, and greeted the last patient she saw with the same heartfelt sincerity as the first Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the passage?

    A. Eleanor Roosevelt did not enjoy giving oral speeches to troops.

    B. Eleanor Roosevelt was present during most battles in Asia during WWII.

    C. Eleanor Roosevelt hand wrote notes to every troop's family.

    D. Eleanor Roosevelt became First Lady before the war in the Pacific ended.

    Answer Explanation

    This conclusion is supported by the information that in 1943, during the war in the Pacific, Eleanor Roosevelt, as First Lady, went to rally the troops' spirits. This implies that she was First Lady during the war, which suggests that she assumed the role before the war in the Pacific ended.

  • Q #2: After being released from prison, she applied her felonious talents to bank robbery. Which of the following words is the definition of "felonious" in the sentence above?

    A. Financial

    B. Expert

    C. Criminal

    D. Prolific

    Answer Explanation

    Criminal

  • Q #3: Peanut Butter Cookies   Grandma Harry           30 minutes      Cookies/Dessert          Makes 1 dozen     1 egg white 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup flour Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, beat again until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in peanut butter and vanilla. Add flour in small increments until dough forms. Chill dough for at least 2 hours. Roll into balls, roll in sugar, press down with a fork, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet. These are very fragile. Which of the following statements about the passage is true?

    A. These cookies can be cooked in a microwave oven.

    B. Beating egg whites means stirring them vigorously.

    C. Folding in peanut butter must be done with an electric appliance.

    D. These cookies should be cooled on a baking rack.

    Answer Explanation

    The statement "Beating egg whites means stirring them vigorously" is true. In culinary terms, "beating" typically involves stirring vigorously to incorporate air and create a foam-like texture.