Why Are Cicadas So Good At Math?

The video explores the fascinating life cycle of periodical cicadas, focusing on their unique emergence every 13 or 17 years, which are prime numbers. This strategy helps them avoid predators whose population cycles do not align with these prime intervals. The video also discusses the cicadas' synchronized emergence as a survival tactic, ensuring that predators cannot consume them all. Genetic factors keep broods on their specific cycles, minimizing gene swapping and maintaining synchronization. The video concludes with insights into the evolutionary advantages of these strategies.

How does the synchronized emergence of cicadas benefit their population?

What evolutionary strategy do cicadas use to avoid overlapping with predator cycles?

In what ways have cicadas adapted their life cycle to minimize competition among themselves?