The Australian Antechinus Mates Until it Dies

With the Australian antechinus, let's move from a species that will perish if it does not marry to one that will perish as a result of mating. Depending on your point of view and/or sense of humor, the finale for these little marsupials that resemble mice may or may not be the best or worst of any existence.

The species' males are wiped out every year as they try to pass on their genetic heritage. They battle other males or mate with females for up to 14 hours at a time for several weeks. This goes on till they pass away.

The amounts of different stress hormones are hampered by the testosterone that floods their tiny bodies. As a result, their immune systems are totally destroyed, and eventually they succumb and pass away.

As strange as this may seem from an evolutionary perspective, it benefits the species. The destruction of the male population makes it easier for the pregnant females to consume and care for their young because there is less competition for food.