Difference between revisions of "Komodo dragon"
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== Reproduction == | == Reproduction == | ||
| − | Recently two well-authenticated cases of [[virgin birth]]s have been reported for Komodo dragons in [[Europe]]an zoos. <ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061220-virgin-dragons.html</ref> This ability to reproduce despite the absence of other individuals is another trait commonly found among insular organisms. | + | Recently, two well-authenticated cases of [[virgin birth]]s through parthenogenesis have been reported for Komodo dragons in [[Europe]]an zoos. <ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061220-virgin-dragons.html</ref> This ability to reproduce despite the absence of other individuals is another trait commonly found among insular organisms. |
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 05:15, April 11, 2007
The Komodo Dragon is a huge, savage, carnivorous reptile, and the largest living species of monitor lizard. They are found on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rintja and Padar and have recently colonised the large island of Flores.
Komodo dragons exhibit insular gigantism; [1] although they have a relatively low metabolism, their strength and powerful jaws allow them to remain the apex predators on the isolated islands where they live. Komodo dragons are not "fire breathing dragons" or dinosaurs; they are, however, a creature of impressive size and danger that should be treated with care, as they have been known to attack lone humans when threatened or hungry. More normally they feed upon deer and feral goats.
[[Though not actually venomous, they carry several strains of bacteria in their saliva]], encouraging severe infections in any bite they cause. Komodo dragons will commonly charge a prey animal, bite it, then follow at their leisure while they wait for the creature to succumb to the infection, which generally occurs within a matter of hours.
Reproduction
Recently, two well-authenticated cases of virgin births through parthenogenesis have been reported for Komodo dragons in European zoos. [2] This ability to reproduce despite the absence of other individuals is another trait commonly found among insular organisms.