How does each individual spider innately know what the architecture of their web should be without that knowledge being taught to them?

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Is that kind of information passed down genetically and if so, how does that work exactly? It seems easier to explain instinctive behaviors in other animals but weaving a perfectly geometric web seems so advanced it’s hard to fathom how that level of knowledge can simply be inherited genetically. Is there something science is missing?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

This is a great question because it has a simple premise but the answer would be a revelation.

Perhaps we don’t give spiders credit for an instinctual understanding of physics and self awareness per say. In example, across most land species we know not to run off a cliff. We would fall down and die, it’s just known.

In the same way if building a simple crossing over said cliff to some other side, we would analyze stick length, cross section, curve and overall integrity for strength and stability. Placement angle is also important.

Perhaps these considerations are natural to conscious beings and not limited to humans. Why? They are also quite fundamental to the universe so why not?

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