Question

What animals play dead?

Answer 1

We must remember that playing dead, which is also known as apparent dead, is the unique behaviour seen in some animals, in which they pretend to be dead. Playing dead can be said as a technique used by the animals as a defence mechanism or a form of mimicry and this behaviour occurs in a wide range of animals.

Complete answer:
As we know that playing dead is scientifically known as thanatosis, or tonic immobility which occurs in most of the members of the animal kingdom from small insects to huge mammals.
Here are some examples of animals which show tonic immobility or playing dead.
Shark: Many species of shark like tiger shark, dogfish shark, lemon shark etc show tonic immobility. This condition is seen when they turn upside down or humans place their hand on the side of animal snout. During tonic immobility both breathing capacity and muscle contraction of shark becomes slow and relaxed.
Duck: When ducks feel that they are going to die, certain species of duck pretend to be dead and this technique is used as a defence mechanism.
Pigs and other farm animals: Playing dead is mostly seen in farm animals and they used it to protect themselves from being slaughtered.
Snake: Snakes are considered to be great actors. When they are under threat or attack they first attempt to bite their predator and if this technique fails they will engage in death feigning meaning playing dead.
Frog: Playing dead is observed in one of the species of frog known as Leaf litter frog, they pretend to be dead by turning their belly up, shutting their eyes and throwing back their arms and legs. They stay in this stage for two minutes.
Insects: In insects like ants, beetles, butterflies etc playing dead is used to for survival purpose but in some spiders they use this technique for sex or mating purpose.

Note:
We also know that playing dead is the technique used by animals to confuse its predators which keep watch on the movement of its potential prey. It is also used by predators as a way to get closer to its prey but this is seen very rarely. It is also used for mating purposes but most commonly it is used to avoid becoming a meal to someone.