How do spiders feed?

Prepare for the Maine Pesticide Structural Licensing Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Spiders have a unique feeding method that involves slurping up the juices and small bits of their prey. Instead of teeth or chewing mechanisms, spiders use their specialized mouthparts called chelicerae to inject digestive enzymes into their prey, primarily insects. This process breaks down the prey's body into a liquid state. Once the tissues are liquefied, spiders can then suck up these fluids using their straw-like structure called a proboscis.

This feeding strategy is efficient for spiders, allowing them to consume prey that may be larger than their body size without needing to chew. The adaptation is significant because it enables spiders to digest and extract nutrients from their prey effectively. Other options suggest different feeding methods that do not accurately represent the anatomical and physiological traits of spiders.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy