LifeOnJeju

전깃줄 사이에 거미줄을 치는 방법

redi 2024. 12. 2. 08:49
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제주도는 시골. 시골길을 돌아다니다 보면 저기에 어떻게 거미줄을 쳤나 궁금할 장소에도 거미줄이 있다. 상당히 높은 전깃줄, 그것도 전봇대에서 떨어진, 전깃줄 중간 정도에서 시작해서 한참 떨어진 다른 전깃줄이나 그 아래에 있는 나무에 이어진 거미줄도 볼 수 있다. 도대체 저건 어떻게 만들었을까 궁금했는데 이 때 인공지능의 도움을 받아본다.

perplexity.ai의 답변은 이러하다. 이 중 내가 궁금했던 것은 bridging the gap으로 설명할 수 있겠다. 거미가 전깃줄을 따라 이동하다 거미줄을 만들면서 아래로 뛰어내리는 것은 아닐까 생각을 했었는데 그게 아니다. 오히려 거미줄을 바람에 날려보내서 어딘가에 붙으면 그걸 따라 거미가 이동하며 거미줄을 만드는 방식. 이게 생각해보면 훨씬 안전한 방법이다. 그리고 여러 줄을 날려서 좋은 위치에 붙은 줄을 따라가면 되는 것이 아닌가!!

이렇게 궁금했던 것을 하나는 해결했다.

Spiders have a remarkable ability to create webs in seemingly impossible places, including between power lines high in the air. This process involves a combination of their unique silk-producing abilities and clever use of environmental factors.

## The Silk-Spinning Process

Spiders produce silk through specialized organs called spinnerets located on their abdomen. This silk starts as a liquid protein that solidifies as it's pulled through the spinnerets[1]. The resulting thread is incredibly lightweight, strong, and flexible.

## Bridging the Gap

To create a web between distant points like power lines, spiders use a technique called "bridging":

1. **Initial Thread Release**: The spider climbs to a high point and releases a fine silk thread into the air[1][4].

2. **Wind Assistance**: The lightweight silk is carried by even the slightest breeze. Warm air currents or convection from sun-heated surfaces can also help[1][4].

3. **Anchoring**: The silk eventually snags on a distant object, such as another power line[3].

4. **Testing and Reinforcing**: The spider tugs on the thread to ensure it's secure, then reinforces it by traveling along the line while spinning additional silk[3].

## Ballooning: An Alternative Method

Some spiders use a technique called "ballooning" to reach distant points:

1. **Silk Parachute**: The spider releases several silk threads that form a triangular parachute[2].

2. **Lift-off**: Air currents and even the Earth's static electric field provide lift, carrying the spider aloft[2][4].

3. **Long-Distance Travel**: While most journeys are short, some spiders have been found hundreds of kilometers from their starting point[2].

## Web Construction

Once the initial bridge is established, the spider can begin constructing its web:

1. **Framework**: The spider creates additional anchor points and support lines[3].

2. **Radial Lines**: It builds non-sticky radial lines from the center outward[3].

3. **Spiral Construction**: Finally, it creates a spiral of sticky silk to catch prey[3].

This incredible process allows spiders to create intricate webs in seemingly impossible locations, showcasing their remarkable engineering skills and adaptability to various environments.

Sources
[1] How does a spider spin a web between two trees? - EarthSky https://earthsky.org/earth/how-does-a-spider-spin-a-web-between-two-trees/
[2] Ballooning (spider) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballooning_(spider)
[3] Ask Smithsonian: How Do Spiders Make Their Webs? https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/ask-smithsonian-how-do-spiders-make-webs-180957426/
[4] Spiderwebs and spider silk, explained - National Geographic https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/spiderwebs-explained
[5] How Do Spiders Spin Their Webs Across Great Distances? https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/science/how-do-spiders-spin-their-webs-across-great-distances.html

 

Blowing in the Wind (Published 2012)

What enables a spider to spread its web filaments between bushes four feet apart, or even across rivers?

www.nytimes.com

 

그리고 이것은 똑같은 프롬프트에 대한 ChatGPT 4.o의 답변

Spiders can create webs between power lines or across other seemingly “unsupported” spaces using a fascinating and ingenious process. Here’s how they do it:

 

1. Ballooning or Dragline Technique

 

Using Air Currents: Spiders often release a fine silk thread (dragline) from their spinnerets into the air. This thread is incredibly lightweight and can be carried by air currents over considerable distances.

Attachment to a Structure: If the thread makes contact with a distant structure (like another power line), the spider senses the tension and tugs on the thread to ensure it is securely attached.

 

2. Anchoring the Thread

 

Once the dragline is securely attached to the distant point, the spider reinforces the silk to make it stronger and more durable. This initial bridge line serves as the foundation for the rest of the web.

The spider then crawls along this thread, carrying additional silk to strengthen it further.

 

3. Building the Web

 

Adding Radial Lines: The spider moves back and forth along the initial thread, creating radial lines that extend outward like spokes on a wheel.

Creating Spirals: Once the radial lines are complete, the spider spins a spiral pattern starting from the center, anchoring it to the radial threads.

 

Why This Works Between Power Lines

 

1. Lightweight Silk: Spider silk is so lightweight that it can travel significant distances with even the slightest breeze.

2. High Adhesion: The silk naturally sticks to surfaces, allowing the spider to establish connections easily.

3. Good Sense of Distance: Spiders instinctively judge distances and angles to optimize their web’s stability and placement.

4. Height Advantage: Power lines are elevated, which increases the likelihood of crosswinds that help carry the silk across the gap.

 

What Makes Spider Silk Unique

 

Spider silk is incredibly strong for its weight and has elasticity that allows it to endure tension without breaking.

This combination of strength and flexibility ensures the web can survive in challenging environments, such as between power lines exposed to wind and vibration.

 

This natural engineering showcases the spider’s incredible ability to adapt and create functional structures in complex environments.

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