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Why Do Cicadas Emerge in Prime-Numbered Cycles?

šŸ’” The Answer

  • Periodical cicadas follow 13- or 17-year life cycles to avoid synchronizing with predator cycles.
  • Predators have shorter life spans, making prime-numbered emergences rare and unpredictable.
  • This strategy reduces predation during mass emergences and enhances mating success.
  • The phenomenon demonstrates an evolutionary advantage of prime numbers in nature.

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