Effects of Cottonwood Ground Cover on Cicada Emergence Timing
How does the percentage of cottonwood ground cover impact the timing of cicada emergence?
Based upon the data, which of the following best describes the effect on the timing of cicada emergence if the cottonwood ground cover decreases from 50 percent to 25 percent?
A. Cicadas will emerge approximately 2 days earlier.
B. Cicadas will emerge approximately 10 days later.
C. Cicadas will emerge approximately 2 days later.
D. Cicadas will emerge approximately 10 days earlier.
Answer
B. Cicadas will emerge approximately 10 days earlier.
The decrease in cottonwood ground cover from 50 percent to 25 percent has a significant impact on the timing of cicada emergence. According to the data provided, cicadas will emerge approximately 10 days earlier when the ground cover of cottonwood trees decreases.
Ground cover of cottonwood trees plays a crucial role in regulating soil temperature. When the ground cover decreases, the soil temperature increases. As a result, cicadas will emerge earlier than usual. This is evident from the data showing that when the tree is unburned, cicadas emerged on July 15th, while when the tree is burned, cicadas emerged on July 3rd.
Therefore, it is clear that the percentage of cottonwood ground cover directly influences the timing of cicada emergence, highlighting the intricate relationship between vegetation cover and insect behavior.