UPSC Prelims 2008 Q28: Science & Technology – Biology
In which one of the following kinds of organisms is the phenomenon found wherein the
female kills the male after copulation?
- (a) Dragonfly
- (b) Honeybee
- (c) Spider
- (d) Pit viper
Answer: (c) Spider
Explanation
Which organism's female kills the male after mating
This distinctive behavioural phenomenon, known as sexual cannibalism, occurs in a specific creature.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Dragonfly | Incorrect | Not known for this specific post-copulation behaviour |
| (b) Honeybee | Incorrect | In honeybees, the male (drone) dies during mating itself, but not specifically via the female 'killing' him afterward in the way described here |
| (c) Spider | Correct | Certain spider species (famously black widows) exhibit sexual cannibalism, where the female kills and sometimes eats the male after copulation |
| (d) Pit viper | Incorrect | Not known for this specific behaviour |
Sexual cannibalism facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organism | Spider (e.g., black widow species) |
| Behaviour | Female kills the male after copulation |
Answer: (c) Spider.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Dragonflies are not known for this specific behaviour.
- (b) Incorrect. Honeybee drones die during mating itself, through a different mechanism, not this specific female-kills-male pattern.
- (c) CORRECT. Spiders, like black widows, are well known for the female killing the male after copulation.
- (d) Incorrect. Pit vipers are not known for this behaviour.
Key point
Certain spider species exhibit sexual cannibalism, where the female kills (and sometimes eats) the male after copulation — the classic example being the black widow spider.
Remember
In spiders, the female kills the male after copulation (sexual cannibalism).
Common mistakes
- Confusing the honeybee drone's death-during-mating mechanism with the specific female-kills-male pattern described here.
- Not knowing the term 'sexual cannibalism' and its association with spiders.
- Assuming unrelated creatures (dragonfly, pit viper) exhibit this specific behaviour.
Exam tip
Spiders (like black widows) = classic example of sexual cannibalism, where the female kills the male after copulation.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — spider
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — praying mantis