Maintaining the structural integrity of a spider web1 is important for spiders, since it is both a residence and a hunting tool.2 Here, we analyzed the robustness of a spider web under various conditions using a simple rubber band model of a spider web, with an eye toward its utility as an integrative science experiment for students and teachers of physics. We perturbed the model web in many ways and monitored how its shape and its tension distribution change. We also discussed what kind of damage is more critical and should be avoided, in terms of survival and fitness of spiders.
In order to compare the effects of various perturbations, it is necessary to keep the initial conditions identical for all experiments. It is thus not practical to use a real spider web, because any damage would be permanent. Therefore, we designed a simple spider web model so...
