Our experiment studies web production and weight of cellar spiders in relation to the temperature of their surrounding environment, which can be used as a model for the effects that climate change will have on cellar spiders. Globally, species are expected to shift locations in response to climate change. When the area the organisms are in becomes too hot or cold, they move towards the poles or equator accordingly to adjust for the difference in temperature. If the area becomes too hot, they will move towards the poles in order to stay in an environment that suits their needs. If the area becomes too cold, they will move to a warmer area, which is sometimes towards the equator, but occasionally not. Most of the Earth is expected to warm over the next several decades, but there are some areas that are expected to get colder.
If it is observed that web weight or production varies at the temperatures our experiment tests, this could predict how this species of cellar spiders will respond to different temperatures. Since webs are necessary for a spider’s survival, a deficiency in web weight and production could have detrimental consequences. The cellar spiders may be expected to shift their location accordingly. If the species is not able to shift locations quickly enough, the species may be at risk for extinction.
Recent comments