Spider webs are made up of ______ a natural fibre made up of protein.
silk
Understanding Spider Webs and Their Material
Spider webs are fascinating structures created by spiders. The question asks about the material that makes up these webs, specifying it is a natural fibre composed of protein. We need to identify which of the given options fits this description.
What are Spider Webs Made Of?
Spider webs are primarily made from spider silk. This silk is produced by silk glands within the spider's abdomen. It is extruded as a liquid protein solution that solidifies upon contact with air, forming a strong, flexible thread.
The question correctly states that this material is a natural fibre made up of protein. Spider silk fits this description perfectly, as it is composed mainly of proteins called spidroins.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options:
- wool: Wool is a natural fibre, and it is made of protein (keratin), but it comes from the fleece of sheep and other animals, not from spiders.
- fur: Fur is the hair of mammals. Like wool and human hair, it is also made of protein (keratin), but it is not the material used by spiders to build webs.
- silk: Silk is a natural protein fibre. While silkworms are famous for producing silk used in textiles, spiders also produce silk. Spider silk is the material used to construct webs, egg sacs, and draglines.
- hair: Hair is a natural protein fibre (keratin) found on mammals. It is not what spiders use to create their webs.
Based on the definition provided in the question – a natural fibre made up of protein used for spider webs – the correct material is silk.
Spider Silk Properties
Spider silk is renowned for its exceptional properties. Different types of silk are produced by a single spider for different purposes (e.g., dragline silk for safety lines, capture spiral silk for trapping prey). Key properties include:
- Strength: Spider silk can be stronger than steel by weight.
- Elasticity: It can stretch significantly before breaking.
- Toughness: A combination of strength and elasticity makes it incredibly tough.
These properties make spider silk an ideal material for catching prey and for the spider's own safety.
Conclusion
Spider webs are constructed using spider silk, which is a natural protein fibre. This aligns with the description provided in the question.
Revision Table: Natural Fibres
| Fibre | Origin | Primary Use (as mentioned in options/context) | Made of Protein? | Used by Spiders for Webs? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Sheep/mammals | Textiles, insulation | Yes | No |
| Fur | Mammals | Insulation, coating | Yes | No |
| Silk | Spiders, Silkworms | Spider webs, textiles | Yes | Yes (Spider silk) |
| Hair | Mammals | Body covering, textiles (e.g., human hair products) | Yes | No |
Additional Information on Spider Silk
Spider silk is a complex material. Scientists are studying it to create new materials with similar properties for various applications, such as medical sutures, biodegradable fishing lines, and strong, lightweight fabrics. The study of spider silk falls under the field of biomimicry, where nature's designs are used to solve engineering problems.
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