The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), also known as the Komodo monitor, is a large reptile of the monitor lizard family Varanidae that is endemic to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Dasami, and Gili Motang.

The skull, a pivotal component of the skeleton, serves several crucial functions. Its composition and shape yield a wealth of biological insights, particularly regarding the organism’s adaptation to feeding behavior.

Komodo dragons are the heaviest and longest of the world's lizards growing to a length of 10 feet and weighing upwards of 300 pounds. Their skulls are very similar to the extinct aquatic reptiles known as mosasaurs.

This study aimed to describe the anatomic features of the normal head of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) identified by computed tomography. CT images were obtained in two dragons using a helical CT scanner.

Skull of a Komodo dragon, Varanus komodensis, with bones colored and labelled to demonstrate skull anatomy. Digital dissection and scene by Jaimi Gray (oVert team). 3D model produced from a CT scan of a Texas Natural History Collections specimen (tnhc:herpetology:95803). Segmentation and mesh files generated using VGStudio Max 3.4. Meshes further edited in Blender (version 2.80.75). Skull ...

May 28, 2008 · The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) displays a unique hold and pull-feeding technique. Its delicate ‘space-frame’ skull morphology differs greatly from that apparent in most living large prey specialists and is suggestive of a high degree of optimization, wherein use of materials is minimized.

The Komodo Dragon grows up to 10 feet long – the world’s largest living lizard. In the late 1960s, research on its ecology by Curator Walter Auffenberg laid the groundwork for today’s conservation initiatives of this unique and threatened species.

Apr 16, 2008 · Komodo Dragons' powerful neck muscles generate huge forces when attacking prey. Their lightweight skulls can handle the forces thanks to a strong, "space-frame" structure.

Sep 11, 2024 · The cranial morphology of V. komodoensis exhibits a pronounced adaptation to feeding behavior, characterized by a highly fenestrated skull and sharp ziphodont teeth, presumably optimized for the species’ distinctive hold-and-pull feeding technique.