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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 events happens first after the male cicada calls to the female cicada, according to the passage?

A. The female deposits the eggs.

B. Nymphs drop to the ground.

C. The male and female mate in the trees.

D. The female makes a clicking sound

Answer Explanation:

The male and female mate in the trees.

This occurs after the male cicada produces a strident, high buzzing to attract the female cicada.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Reading

  • Q #1: Peanut Butter Cookies Grandma Harry           30 minutes       Cookies/Desserts         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 is true?

    A. The egg white and vanilla are beaten together in a bowl.

    B. Each ball of dough must be pressed down with a fork before baking

    C. After adding flour, the cookies are baked for 10 to 12 minutes.

    D. When beating the eggs and sugar, you shouldn't stop until soft peaks form.

    Answer Explanation

    This is indicated in the recipe's instructions: "Roll into balls, roll in sugar, press down with a fork, and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes."

  • Q #2: 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 conclusions can be taken from the passage?

    A. The cookies made with this recipe would be good to send to college students.

    B. The cookies made from this recipe would be good to serve at a large party.

    C. The cookies made with this recipe may have been handed down in a family.

    D. The cookies made with this recipe are especially good for midnight snacks.

    Answer Explanation

    This conclusion can be inferred from the recipe's attribution to "Grandma Harry," suggesting that it has been passed down through generations within a family.

  • Q #3: Dear Aunt Suzanne I have a few minutes before I get on the bus from Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my class trip to Ireland is going. We just spent 2 days on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We took a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy. For an island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on Inis Mor! After eating steak and vegetable stew and brown bread with butter, we went to the sweater market, where all kinds of woolen products are sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learned that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The Healy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids, and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We say ancient ruins, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We also cimbed down to a mysterious rack formation known as "The Worm Hole." a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves and looks like it houses a terrible serpent (see attached photo). The Worm Hole was difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only spoke Gaelic! Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier time. I'm excited to see you when I get home. I have lots more pictures to share! Which of the following details supports the inference that Eva's family has Irish roots?

    A. Eva has found an example of the Healy knitting pattern for her aunt

    B. Eva is learning about the culture and traditions in ireland.

    C. Eva is communicating with her aunt while on a class trip to Ireland.

    D. Eva is taking a lot of pictures while on her trip to Ireland.

    Answer Explanation

    This suggests that Eva's family is connected to Irish culture, as the Healy pattern is associated with Irish families or clans, indicating a heritage or interest in Irish traditions.