Coslovsky, Michael and Zschokke, Samuel. (2009) Asymmetry in orb-webs : an adaptation to web building costs? Journal of insect behavior, Vol. 22, H. 1. pp. 29-38.
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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A5250805
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Abstract
Orb-web spiders build vertically asymmetric webs, in which the lower part is larger than the upper part. One hypothesis explaining this asymmetry suggests that the spiderís mass imposes higher building costs in the upper part of the web, causing the spider to reduce this part of the web. We tested this hypothesis by assessing building costs of different parts of the web. We found that the specific time-cost of building (i.e. the time required to build a certain length of silk) differed between the two parts of the web and that the difference in time-costs influenced web asymmetry. Contrary to predictions, however, building costs were larger in the lower part of the web, suggesting that additional factors affect the spiderís decisions while building the web, which are likely to be prey-capture considerations.
Faculties and Departments: | 05 Faculty of Science > Departement Umweltwissenschaften > Ehemalige Einheiten Umweltwissenschaften > Naturschutzbiologie (Baur) |
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UniBasel Contributors: | Zschokke, Samuel |
Item Type: | Article, refereed |
Article Subtype: | Research Article |
Publisher: | Plenum Press |
ISSN: | 0892-7553 |
Note: | Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article |
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Identification Number: | |
Last Modified: | 22 Mar 2012 14:28 |
Deposited On: | 22 Mar 2012 14:03 |
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