Arachnids Fun Facts

The science of relationships

Relationships are as much a science as an art. Extramarital affairs, in most societies, are condemned and even illegal, yet a lot of people are still tempted to break the rules. Infidelity has destroyed many families, yet many fail to resist it. Is it human nature to be monogamist, or is it something we hope to achieve because jealousy just hurts too much?

Radiation oncologist Dr Chatchapol Kiatikajornthada, who has also extensively studied anthropology, biology and genetics, explained that human beings, unlike some animals, are not behaviourally defined by genes.

"What we do relies on the environment we are in, as well as forces of nature," he said.

While it is virtually impossible to predict the behavioural patterns of humans, parallels can be seen when compared to some animals. For example, female penguins are known to sneak out when the husband, the provider of necessary survival resources, is unaware, and mate with other male penguins who are younger and more physically fit. Some female birds mate with a colourful male, but settle down with the one who has the biggest nest.

"If you look at it that way, infidelity is natural. It can be explained with science, but even so, extramarital affairs are not accepted in most environments. Just because other animals do it doesn't make it culturally acceptable," said the doctor, who is author of Rueng Lao Jak Rang Kai (Tale of the Body), a book that explains human behaviour by way of comparison with other animals.

In humans it is more common for males to have extramarital affairs, because men invest less than women. The "capital" for men is sperm, which can be produced in a bigger amount and for a longer period of time compared to women's eggs.

Moreover, naturally speaking, men usually are the earners of vital resources while women stay at home and raise children. "Whoever invests less has the upper hand in the relationship," Dr Chatchapol explained.

Don't Freak Out! Strange Facts About Our Friend The Spider

You’ve see them in the basement; you’ve see them in the attic; you’ve seen them in your garden, your bathroom, your car, and even your bedroom! Gangly, leggy monstrosities with more eyes than you can keep up with—creepy, scuttling vermin that give you the goosebumps whenever they pass. What are these things; have you just stepped into your own personal horror movie?! No! You’ve come across the common spider—those eight-legged, beautiful web-weaving, delicate warriors of the arachnid world who fight the good fight against disgusting insects behind the scenes for us humans every day. But since I know that lots of people find it hard to see them that way, I’ve collected some fun and interesting facts here to help you get to know our friend the spider a little better.

Did you know that one ounce of spider silk can stretch across the Atlantic Ocean! That’s right, just one ounce of spider silk and some innovative, hard-working spider can cross the ocean on an invisible gossamer thread, and start living the American dream.

Believe it or not spider silk is stronger than steel! Some people have suggested using spider silk instead of Kevlar to make bullet proof vests—theoretically a great idea—who wouldn’t want to stand in front of speeding bullet secure in the knowledge that they’re wearing a seemingly mythological stronger-than-steel vest of spider silk? I know I would feel like something right out of World of Warcraft. Alas, spiders only make a small amount of silk during their lifetime, and if you’ve ever tried to wrangle thousands (perhaps even millions) of spiders (believe it or not, I have!) you’d know it can’t possibly be worth it—no one could ever pay enough for that bulletproof vest. Other cultures have had better luck harnessing the power of the spider, though—people in the South Pacific encourage spiders to make webs between bamboo sticks, and then use them as nets in which to catch fish! Talk about a killer web.

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About Arachnids, A Guide for Children