Ultimate sacrifice - Spider's post-sex cannibalism aids offspring

The video discusses the phenomenon of post-sex cannibalism in dark fishing spiders, where male spiders sacrifice themselves to enhance the survival and size of their offspring. Research from the University of Nebraska shows that females who consume their mates produce more and larger spiderlings. The video explores the biological mechanisms and evolutionary reasons behind this behavior, suggesting it may be linked to first male sperm precedence. Despite the grim nature of the topic, the video presents it with a mix of humor and scientific insight.

What evolutionary advantage might cannibalism provide to male dark fishing spiders?

What is the significance of first male sperm precedence in the context of spider mating?