A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus.

Abstract

The predatory ecology of Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) has been a subject of long-standing interest and considerable conjecture. Here, we investigate the roles and potential interplay between cranial mechanics, toxic bacteria, and venom. Our analyses point to the presence of a sophisticated combined-arsenal killing apparatus. We find that the lightweight skull is relatively poorly adapted to generate high bite forces but better adapted to resist high pulling loads. We reject the popular notion regarding toxic bacteria utilization. Instead, we demonstrate that the effects of deep wounds inflicted are potentiated through venom with toxic activities including anticoagulation and shock induction. Anatomical comparisons of V. komodoensis with V. (Megalania) priscus fossils suggest that the closely related extinct giant was the largest venomous animal to have ever lived.

• Authors: Bryan G Fry, Stephen Wroe, Wouter Teeuwisse, Matthias J P van Osch, Karen Moreno, Janette Ingle, Colin McHenry, Toni Ferrara, Phillip Clausen, Holger Scheib, Kelly L Winter, Laura Greisman, Kim Roelants, Louise van der Weerd, Christofer J Clemente, Eleni Giannakis, Wayne C Hodgson, Sonja Luz, Paolo Martelli, Karthiyani Krishnasamy, Elazar Kochva, Hang Fai Kwok, Denis Scanlon, John Karas, Diane M Citron, Ellie J C Goldstein, Judith E McNaughtan, Janette A Norman
• Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A) Vol. 106 Issue 22 Pg. 8969-74 (Jun 02 2009) ISSN: 1091-6490 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19451641 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Venoms

Topics

• Animals
• Bacteria (pathogenicity)
• Dentition
• Extinction, Biological
• Lizards (anatomy & histology, microbiology, physiology)
• Predatory Behavior
• Skull (anatomy & histology, physiology)
• Venoms