These studies of long-term starvation also reveal two fundamental facts about spider metabolism. During starvation period, resources will be reallocated from reproductive potential and growth to maintenance and survival to ensure that reproduction can take place when conditions improve (Wilson, 2014; ). Spiders do not adjust metabolism to maintain a constant body weight, rather their lipid is stored efficiently and prepare them for long periods of food deprivation (Jensen et al., 2010).
Although the effect of long-term starvation has been widely studied on spider morphology, behavior and movement, research is scarce about the impact of short-term food deprivation. This scenario is a much more likely one in the real world, especially for house spiders whose insect supply is limited. Due to our regular interaction with these kinds of spider much of our surrounding environment is shaped by their predatory behaviors. In this proposal, we aim to look into the impacts of short-term starvation on the morphology, behavior and movement of common spiders in Amherst: wolf spiders and cellar spiders.
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