UPSC Prelims 2010 Q103: Environment & Ecology – Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts
King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?
- (a) It is a snake - eater and the nest helps attract other snakes
- (b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring
- (c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
- (d) It is a large, cold blooded animal, and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season
Answer: (c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
Explanation
Why the King Cobra builds a nest
Most snakes don't build nests, making the King Cobra a notable exception.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Snake-eater, nest attracts other snakes | Incorrect | The nest's purpose is not to attract prey |
| (b) Viviparous, needs nest for birth | Incorrect | The King Cobra is not viviparous; it does not give live birth |
| (c) Oviparous, lays and guards eggs in the nest | Correct | The King Cobra is oviparous (egg-laying); it builds a nest specifically to lay its eggs and guard them until they hatch — a rare parental-care behaviour among snakes |
| (d) Needs nest to hibernate | Incorrect | The nest is not for hibernation; it's specifically for egg-laying and guarding |
King Cobra nesting facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reproduction type | Oviparous (lays eggs) |
| Unique behaviour | Builds and guards a nest until eggs hatch |
| Significance | Rare example of parental care among snakes |
Answer: (c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The nest is not built to attract prey; it serves a reproductive/protective purpose.
- (b) Incorrect. The King Cobra is not viviparous; it lays eggs rather than giving live birth.
- (c) CORRECT. As an oviparous snake, the King Cobra builds a nest to lay and guard its eggs until hatching.
- (d) Incorrect. The nest serves egg-laying and guarding, not hibernation.
Key point
The King Cobra, being OVIPARIOUS, builds its nest specifically to lay eggs and guard them until hatching — a rare instance of parental care among snakes.
Remember
King Cobra builds a nest because it is oviparous — it lays eggs there and guards the nest until they hatch.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the King Cobra's oviparous reproduction with viviparous (live-birth) snakes.
- Assuming the nest serves an unrelated purpose like hibernation or prey attraction.
- Underestimating how unusual nest-building and egg-guarding is among snake species generally.
Exam tip
King Cobra = the only nest-building snake, because it's oviparous and guards its eggs until they hatch. A unique, frequently tested fact.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — king cobra
- Romulus Whitaker and Ashok Captain — Snakes of India: The Field Guide (Draco Books, 2004)