What does Understanding represent?

Understanding represents the collective knowledge of a species over multiple generations of evolution. For the spiders, it is a valuable resource that shapes their entire culture even before they are aware of the nano virus within them. After the plague nearly wipes the spider’s out, it is discovered that Understanding is a commodity, allowing all spiders of every peer group, male or female, to learn whatever they want. Ironically, this same Understanding does not exist in humans, as both Kern and Guyen lament their inability to transfer knowledge to future generations. Eventually, the spider’s understanding and human intellect combine into one force benefiting both species.