Spiders as Scientists
How Scientists Harness Spider Webs to Reveal Nature’s Genetic Secrets
What if we could use spider webs to learn about the animals living in an area. That’s exactly what a group of scientists did in a recent study, where they wanted to see if spider webs could act like a filter, catching tiny bits of DNA from animals in the environment.
This DNA is called environmental DNA, or eDNA for short.
What is eDNA?
eDNA is like a biological footprint that animals leave behind in their environment. It can come from skin, hair, feathers, or even poop! It’s possible collect this eDNA and use it to identify the species that left it behind. This is a non-invasive way to monitor biodiversity, meaning it doesn’t harm or disturb the animals.
It’s especially useful for finding rare or hard-to-spot species.
The Experiment
So, spider webs were collected from two places in Western Australia: a woodland and a zoo, and from these, the eDNA caught in the webs was analysed. In the woodland, they found eDNA from 32 different species of mammals and birds. In the zoo, there was eDNA from 61 different species, mostly from the exotic animals living there.
What Did They Find?
The results showed that spider webs can indeed act as a filter for eDNA. This means that by simply collecting and analysing these webs, researchers can get a snapshot of the animals living in an area. The study also found that the more animals there are and the closer they are to the web, the more likely their eDNA will be detected.
Why is This Important?
This study is exciting because it shows a new, cost-effective way to monitor biodiversity, and it’s also a great example of how nature can provide us with tools for scientific research. Spider webs are everywhere and easy to collect, making them a convenient tool for scientists. This could be especially useful in places that are hard to reach or survey. In conclusion, the next time you see a spider web, remember that it’s not just a home for a spider.
It could also be a treasure trove of information about the local wildlife!
References:
Published:January 30, 2024DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.108904
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.108904
Joshua P. Newton 5
Paul Nevill
Philip W. Bateman
Matthew A. Campbell
Morten E. Allentoft
