Surprising Spider Silk

During a biology class, Priya learned about the various uses of spider silk. Which of the following is NOT a use of spider silk?

• A) Building webs

• B) Trapping bugs

• C) Wrapping eggs

• D) Making honey.

Answer explanation

Spider silk is used for building webs, trapping bugs, and wrapping eggs, but it is not used for making honey. Honey is produced by bees, not spiders.

Anika and Elijah are studying different types of spider silk and notice that some samples have different colors. Can spider silk vary in color? True or False?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Spider silk can vary in color due to different factors such as the species of spider, environmental conditions, and the presence of pigments. Therefore, Anika and Elijah's observation is correct.

Aria is studying spiders and wants to know what determines a spider's trait for a feature?

• The environment

• The kind of protein molecules

• The size of the spider

• The color of the spider.

Answer explanation

A spider's traits are primarily determined by the kind of protein molecules it produces, which influence its physical characteristics and functions. The environment, size, and color may play roles, but proteins are fundamental to trait expression.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

Grace wants to learn more about spider silks for her biology project. Where should she look? A) The introduction B) The chapters that follow C) The glossary D) The index.

• The introduction

• The chapters that follow

• The glossary

• The index

Answer explanation

Grace should look in 'The chapters that follow' as they provide detailed information about spider silks, which is essential for her biology project. The introduction gives a general overview, while the glossary and index serve different purposes.

During a science class, Rohan observed a spider moving across the classroom. What helps the spider glide faster than crawling?

• The wind

• Its legs

• Its silk sail

• Its body weight.

Answer explanation

The spider glides faster due to its silk sail, which allows it to catch the wind and move more efficiently than by crawling. This adaptation enhances its mobility and speed.

Emma is studying the properties of gossamer silk in her biology class. She learns that the proteins in gossamer silk make it ______.

• Heavy

• Light

• Sticky

• Colorful

Answer explanation

The proteins in gossamer silk are lightweight, which contributes to its overall lightness. This property is essential for its use in various applications, making 'Light' the correct choice.

During a biology class, Aria was fascinated by how the silk of a spitting spider is extremely sticky. She wondered why it was so sticky. Can you help her find out the reason?

• A) its color

• B) protein molecules

• C) its thickness

• D) its length

Answer explanation

The silk of a spitting spider is extremely sticky due to the presence of protein molecules. These proteins interact with surfaces, enhancing adhesion, which is why option B is the correct answer.

Charlotte observed that diving bell spiders gather ______ from the surface to fill their silk net.

• Water

• Air

• Food

• Sand

Answer explanation

Diving bell spiders gather air from the surface to fill their silk nets, creating an underwater air bubble that allows them to breathe while submerged. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in aquatic environments.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Emma is curious about how diving bell spiders manage to breathe underwater. Can you explain it to her?

• Through gills

• By absorbing oxygen from water

• By using air bubbles

• By holding their breath.

Answer explanation

Diving bell spiders breathe underwater by trapping air bubbles. They create a silk web that forms a bell shape, capturing air, which they use to obtain oxygen while submerged.

During a science class, Daniel and Evelyn were discussing how spiders create their webs. What is the role of protein molecules in the silk net?

• They make it colorful

• They make it sticky

• They help it hold air and keep water out

• They make it edible.

Answer explanation

Protein molecules in spider silk help it hold air and keep water out, contributing to the silk's strength and durability. This property is essential for the web's function in capturing prey and providing shelter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1