What physical property must the silk of the Argiope aurantia web possess regarding a large grasshopper?
Answer
Strong enough to absorb kinetic energy
The silk construction of the orb web exhibits a remarkable degree of bioengineering complexity because it must manage diverse kinetic forces from different sizes of prey. Specifically concerning larger, powerful insects like a grasshopper, the silk must be inherently strong enough to effectively absorb the significant kinetic energy generated by the insect's struggles. If the silk lacked this requisite strength and pliancy to absorb impact, the web structure would likely tear apart, resulting in the loss of the captured meal and requiring immediate, costly reconstruction.
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