komodoensis that has remained unexplored. In contrast, recent evidence has revealed that venom is a basal characteristic of the Toxicofera reptile clade ( 6), which includes the varanid lizards ( 7), suggesting a potential role of venom in prey capture by V. Controversially, the proposition that utilization of pathogenic bacteria facilitates the prey capture ( 4, 5) has been widely accepted despite a conspicuous lack of supporting evidence for a role in predation. komodoensis is clearly capable of opening wounds that can lead to death through blood loss ( 4). Irrespective of evidence for or against a powerful bite, V. Moreover, this previous analysis did not account for gape angle, which can significantly influence results ( 3). However, the relevance of bite force and cranial mechanics to interpretations of feeding behavior cannot be fully evaluated in the absence of comparative data. Three-dimensional finite element (FE) modeling has suggested that the skull and bite force of V. Thanks to National Parks like Komodo, wildlife can continue to thrive largely uninterrupted by human interference.Predation by Varanus komodoensis, the world's largest extant lizard, has been an area of great controversy (cf. Thousands of fish species swim in the surrounding waters, as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and whales.ĭespite the plethora of native wildlife, Komodo dragons are still what the park is best known for. In addition to the Timor deer, which is the main source of food for the Komodo dragon, the islands are also the habitat for 72 species of birds, such as the yellow-crested cockatoo. The landscape is unlike any other, ranging from dry savanna conditions to lush forests, all surrounded by white-sand beaches and bright blue water.Īlthough Komodo National Park was created to protect the life of the 5700 Komodo dragons who call it home, the park's scope has now expanded to other native wildlife.

Komodo National Park in Indonesia sits at the center of an archipelago and consists mainly of 3 volcanic islands. Today’s Doodle celebrates the 37th anniversary of Komodo National Park with an interactive quiz to test your knowledge about Its main, reptilian inhabitant: the Komodo dragon!

How much do you know about Komodo dragons?

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