King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?

Answer: (c) It is an oviparous snake and lay its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched

The female piles leaves into a mound nest, lays 20–40 eggs and guards them until they hatch.

The idea

Most snakes lay their eggs and leave. The king cobra is the exception: the female builds a mound of dead leaves, lays her eggs inside and stays on guard. Rotting leaves give off warmth, which incubates the eggs.

Female gathers dead leaves into a mound → Lays 20–40 eggs inside → Decaying leaves keep the eggs warm → She guards the nest for about two to three months → She leaves just before the eggs hatch

Why the others are wrong

(a) It does eat snakes, but it hunts them — the nest is not a lure.

(b) It is not viviparous; it lays eggs.

(d) Snakes don’t build nests to hibernate.

The trap

(a) uses a true fact (it eats snakes) to give a false reason.

Also know

An animal that lays eggs is oviparous; one that gives birth to live young is viviparous. Among Indian snakes, cobras, kraits and pythons lay eggs, while Russell’s viper bears live young.