specific aims draft

SPECIFIC AIMS

1. Determine how different temperatures influence spider web size. Since spiders are an ectothermic species, temperature can have a large influence on behavior and physiological processes in the body. This study is studying how temperature affects spider web production and web size at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C in containers. Web size was measured by weighing the container with the spider before web production began and then again after 5 days of web production.

2. Determine best temperature for web production. We expect to observe differences in web weight and production in the three different temperatures. Each spider will be kept in cups with a straw in it to help promote web production. For the 10°C condition, spiders in closed containers will be placed over ice and the ice will be replaced as needed. The spiders in the 20°C condition group will be kept in a room at 20°C. A heat lamp will be used for the 30°C group.