Final answer:
The male golden orb-weaving spider's behavior of dying post-copulation is not accurately described by any of the given options but is an example of sexual cannibalism, which is not listed.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the male golden orb-weaving spider (Nephila clavipes) that dies while still joined with the female following copulation, the behavior can be evaluated against several mating strategies.
Option a. extra-pair copulation refers to mating that occurs outside of a primary mating pair, which is not relevant in this case. Option b. mate guarding is a strategy where a male stays with a female to prevent other males from mating with her, yet it doesn't typically result in the death of the male. Option c. monogamy describes a mating system where one male and one female pair for at least a breeding season; death of the male post-copulation doesn't align with typical monogamous behavior. Option d. the handicap principle, suggests a male may display a costly trait that effectively signals his quality to a female, but death isn't such a signal in mating contexts.
The behavior of the male golden orb-weaving spider is not accurately described by any of the options given. It is an example of sexual cannibalism, a strategy not listed within the options, where the male is consumed post-mating, often providing nutritional benefits to the female and potential offspring.