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Biology

The Biomechanics of Spider Silk and Its Ecological Functions

Quick fact

A single strand of dragline silk can be five times stronger than steel of the same weight and twice as elastic as nylon, making it one of the toughest biological materials known.

Why this is interesting

You've seen a spider web glistening with dew, but did you know that the silk is stronger than steel by weight yet more elastic than rubber? This combination allows spiders to catch flying insects and even disperse through the air on a single thread.