Scientists have made a discovery about the teeth of Indonesia’s
Komodo dragons - they’re tipped with iron, which keeps the serrated
edges of their teeth razor-sharp.
The world’s largest living lizards, growing to more than three meters
in length, eat pretty much everything that’s put in front of them,
ranging from birds to water buffalo and even other Komodo dragons.
They’re also prone to biting humans who get too close.
There have been several incidents where tourists have gotten too
close to these formidable reptiles and have been bitten. For instance,
in 2017, a Singaporean tourist was bitten on his leg while attempting to
take photos of the Komodo dragons at the Komodo National Park. The park
ranger had warned him not to get too close, but the tourist ignored the
advice and ended up with a serious injury that required immediate
medical attention.
In another case, in 2009, a group of divers who were stranded on
Rinca Island, part of the Komodo National Park, had to fend off Komodo
dragons for two days before being rescued. One of the divers was bitten
but managed to survive the ordeal. These incidents highlight the
importance of maintaining a safe distance from these dangerous
creatures.
In the latest study, reported by The Guardian, a team led by
researchers at King’s College London used advanced imaging to study
teeth taken from various Komodo dragon specimens as well as numerous
other living and extinct reptiles, including monitor lizards,
crocodiles, alligators, and dinosaurs.
The iron coating was most apparent on the Komodo dragon teeth, but
similar iron-rich coverings were seen on the teeth of other reptiles.
This unique adaptation helps Komodo dragons maintain their lethal bite,
enabling them to effectively tear through the flesh of their prey.