Why do some insects play dead?

Answer: Predators prefer live prey

Predators prefer live prey ✓ — Correct! Many predators are triggered by movement and ignore motionless prey. Playing dead (thanatosis) can save an insect's life. Some even release bad-smelling chemicals to seem more convincingly dead!

To rest without moving — Wrong. Playing dead isn't restful—it's a stress response. Insects have other ways to conserve energy that don't involve this defense mechanism.

It cools their body down — Wrong. Playing dead doesn't affect body temperature. It's purely a predator-avoidance strategy.