UPSC Prelims 2008 Q29: Environment & Ecology – Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts

UPSC Prelims 2008, General Studies Paper I · Environment & Ecology

For which one of the following snakes is the diet mainly composed of other snakes?

Answer: (d) King cobra

Explanation

Which snake's diet mainly consists of other snakes

One specific snake is notable for its ophiophagous (snake-eating) diet.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Krait	Incorrect	Primarily preys on small vertebrates, not mainly other snakes
(b) Russell's viper	Incorrect	Primarily preys on rodents and small mammals, not mainly other snakes
(c) Rattlesnake	Incorrect	Primarily preys on small mammals, not mainly other snakes
(d) King cobra	Correct	The King Cobra is famously ophiophagous, with its diet mainly composed of other snakes, including venomous ones

King Cobra diet facts:

Point	Detail
Primary diet	Other snakes (ophiophagy)
Notable prey	Even venomous snakes, including smaller cobras

Answer: (d) King cobra.

(a) Incorrect. Krait primarily preys on small vertebrates, not mainly other snakes.
(b) Incorrect. Russell's viper primarily preys on rodents, not mainly other snakes.
(c) Incorrect. Rattlesnake primarily preys on small mammals, not mainly other snakes.
(d) CORRECT. The King Cobra's diet is mainly composed of other snakes.

The King Cobra is famously ophiophagous, with its diet mainly composed of other snakes, including venomous ones.

The King Cobra's diet is mainly composed of other snakes.

Confusing the King Cobra's specialized snake-eating diet with other venomous snakes' more general prey (rodents, small mammals).
Not knowing the term 'ophiophagous' (snake-eating) and its association with the King Cobra.
Assuming all large venomous snakes share the same dietary preferences.

King Cobra = ophiophagous (snake-eating), its defining dietary trait. Other vipers/kraits mainly eat rodents/small mammals.

Encyclopaedia Britannica — king cobra
Romulus Whitaker and Ashok Captain — Snakes of India: The Field Guide (Draco Books, 2004)