Certified Arborist Practice Exam

The correct answer pertains to the process by which adult periodical cicadas lay their eggs. When cicadas oviposit, they use a specialized appendage to cut into the twigs of trees, where they deposit their eggs. This process can cause significant injury to the plant tissue, specifically the phloem, where nutrients are transported within the plant. The damage inflicted can lead to twig dieback as the tree struggles to provide resources to the affected areas.

Phloem is crucial for a tree's health, and when cicadas damage it during oviposition, it disrupts the flow of essential nutrients and water, leading to the decline of the twig's overall health and vitality. This dieback can manifest as wilting, yellowing leaves, and eventual death of the twig, showcasing the direct impact cicada activity has on tree physiology through their reproductive behavior.

Thus, understanding the cicada's eggs-laying methods showcases the relationship between their life cycle and the environmental effects on trees.