The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard on Earth and a deadly predator.
Scientists have discovered a special adaptation in their teeth that makes their bite so dangerous. The teeth have an iron coating around the edges, staining them orange and keeping them razor-sharp.
Although some reptiles are known to have iron in their teeth, this is the first time such a coating has been observed in any animal. Scientists believe this finding could help us understand how meat-eating dinosaurs consumed their food, as their teeth were similar to those of Komodo dragons.
Dr. Aaron LeBlanc from King’s College London explained that Komodo dragons have curved, serrated teeth designed to rip and tear prey, just like meat-eating dinosaurs.
He hopes this similarity can teach us more about dinosaur eating habits and whether they used iron in their teeth like Komodo dragons.
Dr. LeBlanc added that while Komodo dragons have altered the chemistry of their teeth, some large meat-eating dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurs, changed the structure of the enamel itself to maintain sharp teeth.
Dr. Benjamin Tapley from The Zoological Society of London emphasized that this discovery not only enhances our understanding of ancient dinosaurs but also helps us learn more about Komodo dragons as we work to protect these endangered reptiles.
