Spider

Spider

Spider webs catch DNA of large animals, offering a money-saving opportunity to researchers. Spider webs are not just for catching flies. They have also become a valuable tool for environmental scientists, as they have discovered that spider webs can trap the DNA of much larger animals. This unexpected finding has opened up new possibilities for studying and monitoring the biodiversity of various ecosystems.

By analyzing the DNA trapped in spider webs, researchers can identify the presence of different animal species without the need for costly and time-consuming field surveys. This method has proven particularly useful for studying elusive and rare species that are difficult to observe directly. It also provides a non-invasive way to monitor the populations of endangered species and track their movements.

Spider webs act as natural DNA samplers, capturing genetic material from the environment as animals pass by or get entangled in the web. This genetic material can include skin cells, hair, feathers, or even traces of blood. Scientists can extract and analyze this DNA to gain insights into the diversity and abundance of animal species in a particular area.