Spiders spin intricate webs using silk, an incredibly strong material and some birds can weave complicated nests from strips of leaves. What are the processes behind the building of these complex structures and could we adapt spider silk to benefit us?
Spiders spin intricate webs using silk, an incredibly strong material and some birds can weave complicated nests from strips of leaves. What are the processes behind the building of these complex structures and could we adapt spider silk to benefit us?
General Note
Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on December 24, 2014.
Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.
Content Note
Wild Weaver Bird Research(3:09) -- Nest Material (2:19) -- Nest Construction and Concealment (2:54) -- Key to Successful Breeding (2:07) -- New Kind of Silk (2:32) -- Historical Silk Production (2:41) -- Molecular Structure (2:33) -- Toughest Material Known to Man (2:18) -- Credits: Spinners and Weavers: Attenborough's Natural Curiosities (0:43).