The evolution of cicada life: the transformation from ancient times to modern times

Cicada, as an ancient insect, has existed on Earth for millions of years. They are known for their unique life cycle, loud chirping, and This article will take you to explore the life evolution of cicadas and how they adapt to the ever-changing environment on Earth.

1. The origin of cicadas

The origin of cicadas can be traced back to the Triassic period about 200 million years ago. The cicadas of the past had slightly different morphology and living habits than modern cicadas. According to fossil records, the ancestors of cicadas belonged to the order Hemiptera, and these early insects gradually evolved a unique singing system and Living habits, and eventually developed into the cicadas we know today.

2. The evolution of the unique life cycle of cicadas

Cicadas are known for their long underground life and short above-ground activities. The evolution of this life cycle is closely related to their living environment.

1. Underground larval stage:
   Cicadas spend most of their life cycle underground. This characteristic may be to avoid natural enemies on the ground. Cicada larvae suck sap from tree roots underground and usually take 3 to 17 years to complete the development process. This slow growth process helps cicadas in the evolutionary process They avoid many predators.

2. Evolution of periodic cicadas:
   Some cicada populations in North America have evolved Periodic cicadas, which have a life cycle of 13 or 17 years. This long life cycle helps avoid predators, which cannot adapt to the irregular, large outbreaks of cicadas.

3. Moulting and Adulthood Stages: When cicada larvae mature, they crawl out of the ground to molt and become adults. Adult cicadas attract mates by chirping and reproduce rapidly. They spend a relatively short time above ground, usually Only a few weeks. This short-term ground activity reduces the risk of being preyed upon.

3. The evolution of cicada chirping

Cicadas are known for their Cicadas are famous for their chirping sounds, which have played a vital role in their evolution. The chirping of cicadas is not only used to attract mates, but also to mark territory and scare away other predators. Repel natural enemies.

1. Evolution of the singing organ:
   The singing organ of the cicada is located in the abdomen, which is formed by the rapid contraction of special muscles to produce sound. The evolved singing organs help cicadas produce high-frequency and penetrating sounds that can be heard across vast forests or grasslands.

2. Sexual selection and song:
   During evolution, the songs of male cicadas gradually became more complex and louder to better attract the attention of female cicadas. Male cicadas with louder, more rhythmically complex calls are more likely to reproduce successfully, which has driven the evolution of singing organs.

4. Adaptive evolution of cicadas

Cicadas can adapt to a variety of environments, from humid tropical rainforests to arid deserts. They show Amazing adaptability.

1. Drought tolerance:
   In arid environments, cicada larvae are able to suck sap from tree roots deep underground to avoid death due to lack of water. Some cicada species have even evolved the ability to survive in extreme drought conditions, greatly enhancing their chances of survival.

2. Concealment and camouflage:
   The color of the cicada's shell usually blends in with the environment of its habitat to prevent predators from discovering it. This camouflage ability has evolved over a long period of time, allowing cicadas to survive better in the natural environment.

3. Evolution under predator pressure:
   The main natural enemies of cicadas include birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. During the long process of evolution, cicadas have successfully evaded many predators by developing a hard shell, fast flight ability, and irregular appearance during the day and night.

V. Modern evolutionary trends of cicadas

Although cicadas have successfully adapted to various living environments over the past millions of years, modern climate change and increased human activities have posed new challenges to the survival of cicadas.

1. Impact of climate change:
   Global warming has led to changes in the life cycle of some cicada populations. For example, the hatching time of some periodical cicadas may be advanced, disrupting their breeding cycle.

2. Habitat loss:
   With the acceleration of deforestation and urbanization, the habitat of many cicadas has gradually decreased. This puts their survival under greater pressure, especially in some rare cicada species, where the population is declining sharply.

3. The impact of human activities:
   The use of pesticides and air pollution also have a negative impact on cicadas. These chemicals not only kill cicadas directly, but also destroy the trees and plants that cicadas rely on for survival.

VI. Conclusion: The life evolution of cicadas is a history of adaptation and challenge

As an ancient insect, cicadas have experienced a long and complex life evolution. They have successfully survived on Earth for millions of years through their unique life cycle, the evolution of their singing organs, and their ability to adapt to the environment. However, modern climate change and human activities pose new threats to the future of cicadas. Understanding the evolutionary history of cicadas can help us better protect these unique creatures and their living environment.

The life evolution of cicadas is not only a history of biological evolution, but also reflects the interaction and adaptability of organisms and the environment in nature. In the future, whether cicadas can continue to adapt to the human-dominated earth environment will become an important topic that we need to pay attention to.