A paragraph about spider silk mentions several claims. Which statement is true?

A paragraph about spider silk mentions several claims. Which statement is true?

• A. It cannot stretch.
• B. It can hold five times more weight than steel.
• C. It is the strongest substance in the world.
• D. It is not elastic.

Answer: (C)

Spider silk is notable for its exceptional strength relative to its extremely light weight, along with high toughness that lets it absorb a lot of energy before breaking. This combination means it can withstand substantial stresses for a material of its size, and that is why it’s often described as one of the strongest natural substances. Among the statements, this description best captures what makes spider silk remarkable, especially when compared to the more brittle or restrictive ideas in the other options. The claim that it cannot stretch or that it isn’t elastic contradicts the known elasticity and ability to stretch under load, and while silk can be incredibly strong, saying it always holds five times the load of steel depends on specific conditions and is not a universal fact.

Spider silk is notable for its exceptional strength relative to its extremely light weight, along with high toughness that lets it absorb a lot of energy before breaking. This combination means it can withstand substantial stresses for a material of its size, and that is why it’s often described as one of the strongest natural substances. Among the statements, this description best captures what makes spider silk remarkable, especially when compared to the more brittle or restrictive ideas in the other options. The claim that it cannot stretch or that it isn’t elastic contradicts the known elasticity and ability to stretch under load, and while silk can be incredibly strong, saying it always holds five times the load of steel depends on specific conditions and is not a universal fact.