[Campbell Biology P.757] Which of the following are mentioned in the text as uses or charact... | Practice Question

Which of the following are mentioned in the text as uses or characteristics of spider silk? Select all that apply

  • A: Constructing webs to capture insects.
  • B: Serving as 'gift wrap' for food offered by males during courtship.
  • C: Facilitating rapid escape as droplines.
  • D: The complex behavior of web-building is primarily learned through observation.
  • E: Allowing small spiders to be transported by wind, known as 'ballooning'.

Explanation

The text states that spiders catch insects by constructing webs of silk. It also mentions other uses: 'as droplines for rapid escape, as a cover for eggs, and even as 'gift wrap' for food that males offer females during courtship.' Finally, 'Many small spiders also extrude silk into the air and let themselves be transported by wind, a behavior known as “ballooning.”' The behavior of web-building is stated to be inherited, not primarily learned.