Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

What adaptation helps spiders catch their prey?

1. Camouflage

2. Web-building

3. Flight

4. Bright colors

The correct answer is: Web-building

Web-building is a key adaptation that aids spiders in capturing their prey. This skill enables spiders to construct intricate webs that serve as traps for insects and other small creatures. The silk produced by spiders is incredibly strong and elastic, allowing them to create various types of webs suitable for different hunting strategies. For example, orb weavers create circular webs that maximize surface area, while funnel-web spiders produce webs that direct prey toward a hidden retreat. When an unsuspecting prey item comes into contact with the web, it becomes ensnared, allowing the spider to approach and immobilize it effectively. While camouflage, flight, and bright colors can be advantageous for some species in avoiding predators or attracting mates, they do not serve as direct mechanisms for prey capture in spiders. Therefore, web-building stands out as the most relevant adaptation concerning a spider's predatory habits.