Research Paper On Komodo Dragon

1542 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Distribution and habitat of Komodo Dragons

Komodo Dragon Classification and Evolution
The Komodo Dragon is a large species of lizard that is only found on a handful of islands in the Indonesian archipelago. Not known to the world until the First World War, the Komodo Dragon is actually a species of Monitor Lizard that has been evolving in island isolation for millions years, which has led to it becoming very large indeed. The Komodo Dragon is not only the largest lizard in the world, but it also one of the most aggressive and is so powerful that it is able to take prey many times it's own size. However, Komodo Dragons are also in severe danger in their natural environments as hunting and habitat loss, along with a shortage of prey, has led to population declines on the few islands where …show more content…

They are incredibly strong and powerful with long, thick bodies, short, muscular legs and an almighty tail that is used for both fighting and for propping the animal up when it is standing on it's hind legs. The Komodo Dragon has long and sharp, curved claws that are often used for digging and it's greyish brown skin is covered in small scales and folds around the neck. Komodo Dragons have relatively small heads compared to their large body size and wide, powerful jaws that conceal a mouth that is filled with deadly bacteria. Although the Komodo Dragon has good eyesight, the majority of it's surroundings are sensed to smell which the Komodo Dragon does with it's long and deeply forked tough. By flicking it's tongue out of it's mouth, the Komodo Dragon is able to "taste" scent particles in the air to locate both live and dead prey up to 8km …show more content…

After mating, the female Komodo Dragon lays up to 25 leathery eggs in a hole that she digs into the soft sand. The young hatch after an incubation period that lasts for between 8 and 9 months and are boldly marked with cream bands (which they lose as they get older), and are completely independent from when they leave their shell. However, until they grow to a larger size, young Komodo Dragons will venture up into the trees where they will spend most of their time until they are big enough to look after themselves on the ground. Komodo Dragons tend to live for an average of 30 years in the

Show More
Related

  • Taking a Look at the Saguaro Lizard

    753 Words  | 2 Pages

    Without the horned lizard, the Saguaro desert would fall apart quickly. If you have ever heard someone say, “Hey look! There’s a horned toad!” they are really referring to a horned lizard. They have spines (spikes) to protect themselves from predators. These lizards move slowly, and are patient for their food. They eat mostly insects such as ants, and in the Saguaro desert, they eat kangaroo rats. There are 14 different species of horned lizards. They are different in some ways, but all of their colors resemble their surroundings, and it helps them to stay safer. Horned lizards can survive in many climates and temperatures. If it gets too hot, they burrow with their head sticking out at the surface of the ground. That way, it cools them down without having to go far. Conveniently they can stay in their home for the winter. They survive by burrowing in the ground and hibernating. Horned lizards mostly lay eggs, but for some species, the young are born alive. After the eggs are laid, the parents ...

    Read More

  • The Invasive Indo Pacific Lionfish

    1220 Words  | 3 Pages

    Known as Pterois Volitans in the animal kingdom, also called the red lionfish, is a sight to behold in the tropical waters as they swim like an underwater butterfly in the sea. In waters not native to their origin, as they are from the Pacific and have predators that will have them for a snack. Invasive to the Caribbean Sea they have rapidly reached the Gulf of Mexico and far south, spreading to parts of South America. The lionfish has become a persistent pest that’s more trouble than what it appears to be, attractive yet deceptive with a striking pattern of white and red stripes. In the New York Times article, A Call to Action… and Even Rodeos, scientists say that, “from 2005 onward, lionfish have become the most numerous nonnative invasive species in the world.” The average pound fish is one of nature’s clever creations, a venomous foe with spines and an infinite appetite that reproduce quickly. Invasive species are notorious because they have no or almost nonexistent natural predators and they are adapt to their new home very well. The biological adaptations of this fish has caused both ecological and economical mayhem, serious measures have been taken up to control their population as well as to protect our coral reefs.

    Read More

  • Coqui Frogs in the Big Island

    1000 Words  | 2 Pages

    Coqui frogs are harming Hawaii's environment as they begin to reproduce faster than ever. Female coquis can deposit up to 28 eggs every eight weeks (Singer et al). The environment is not able to work efficiently when these little creatures are constantly reproducing. Coqui frogs are a serious threat to native insect population because they are consuming and removing insects from forest floor to treetops (Van Valkenburg). Insects have always been the major food source for birds and with coquis around, they have to compete and search for food. When Coqui frogs feed off of mites, ant...

    Read More

  • Comparison Of Iguanas And Komodo Dragons

    324 Words  | 1 Pages

    Iguanas and Komodo Dragons? These creatures have a lot in common and they have many differences. This report will talk about the mysteries of these beautiful creatures. And cover topics such as, What they eat, What they have in common, And what physical features they possess.

    Read More

  • Kermode Bear Research Paper

    263 Words  | 1 Pages

    The Kermode bear is an interesting bear that’s endangered. It eats a healthy diet of salmon, found from the ocean, and berries ,found from brushes. It can either have a black coat of fur or some bears have white fur. The Kermode bear has many nicknames such as Spirit bear and ghost bear (Shoumatoff). Meanwhile they are rare which means we don’t want them to be exists because they are a unique species and they help the environment by eating salmon as their main source of food they take the “leftovers” and throw them in the grass this fertilizes the soil making it rich (Tweed).

    Read More

  • Velociraptor Research Paper

    362 Words  | 1 Pages

    My partner and I researched the amazing dinosaur called the velociraptor. Velociraptors are a dinosaur that has many similar features as a common turkey. For example, this dinosaurs had feathers, but not covered completely like a turkey. They are about 2 and a half feet tall with hollow bones. Like most birds, they have a wishbone and talon feet. They also had quill knobs. They couldn’t fly because they were too small, but they used them to hunt. They had long thin tall to help them balance when they were running. Their strong legs helped the run up to 40 miles per hour! Velociraptors were known as one of the top ten most dangerous dinosaurs in their time (the late cretaceous period) because of their sharp claws and sharp curved teeth. These dinosaurs were great hunters, their claw would puncture the flesh of their prey but not rip through it, yet their teeth would. Their teeth and claws helped

    Read More

  • Medieval Creatures

    674 Words  | 2 Pages

    Dragons are very popular mythical beings because they are capable of flying, swimming, and walking on land. This makes a Dragons attack much easier because he can exploit the weaknesses of his victims by using earth’s natural elements earth, air, fire, and water. Dragons have sharp teeth and a tongue shaped like an arrow. These creatures can breathe fire, but some cultures believed they spit ice or another venomous substance. All a dragons power is in its long, scaly tail.

    Read More

  • Bearded Dragon Research Paper

    833 Words  | 2 Pages

    The real-life dragons of modern day are the fascinating creatures called Bearded Dragons. Everyone who knows a bit about reptiles has probably heard of the Bearded Dragon. This is because the Bearded Dragon is one of the most common kept pet reptile. They are pretty easy keep and widely available in pet stores and breeders. There will be information about what their adaptations to the wild are, how they evolved over time, and what their impact on society is.

    Read More

  • Chupacabra Research Papers

    807 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are many interesting and amazing creatures on earth but the best by far is the chupacabra. But sadly not many people know the truth about it. This paper will discuss where the chupacabra lives, what it looks like, what it does and how it does it , how many different types are there, and what evidence is there supporting its existence. So what is the chupacabra.

    Read More

  • Food Inc.

    974 Words  | 2 Pages

    six weeks. They’re grown in cages too small for them to move, in darkness to make them

    Read More

  • The Dragon Research Paper

    999 Words  | 2 Pages

    Dragons are very important symbols in Asia, they serve as guardians, marriage symbols, and many other things. Dragons are defined as mythological creatures that look serpent like. Different places in Asia each has their own symbolism for the dragon. Dragons are popular in many panting’s all across of Asia and have been around for a long time. Dragons not only appear on painting, but also on many other things such as jewelry and robes.

    Read More

  • Turtle Rampage

    1657 Words  | 4 Pages

    Smith, Hobart M. and Zim, Herbet S. Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Western Publishing Company, 1987. Print.

    Read More

  • Otters: The Anatomy Of The African Clawless Otters

    1407 Words  | 3 Pages

    Otters are the smallest out of all the marine animals. Female otters are generally smaller than male otters. Their tail is about one-third of their body and is used to help them dive deeper. To swim, otters use their hind flippers and tail. An otter’s body is very slender and long. They are extremely flexible, so they can groom all of their body. Their eyes are small and their ears are just visible. All otters have a very good sense of smell and can hear very well. Their whiskers can sense vibrations in the water which comes in handy when they are hunting. Most types of otters have retractable claws which allow them to better grip their food. “It is the only marine animal capable of lifting and turning over rocks, which it often does with its front paws when searching for prey” (“Otter Anatomy &

    Read More

  • The Komodo Dragon

    916 Words  | 2 Pages

    Males are usually larger than females, but there are no obvious physical differences that mark their sexes. There is only one very slight difference in the pattern of scales in front of the cloaca. Though it is difficult for researchers to identify the sexes, the Komodos seem to have no trouble. They mate between the months of May and August. The female lays about 30 eggs and the incubation cycle is roughly 9 months (Benyus, 1992).

    Read More

  • Nightmare Zoo: The Surabaya Zoo of Indonesia

    1553 Words  | 4 Pages

    "Komodo Dragons Missing from Indonesian Zoo." BBC News. BBC, 22 Mar. 2011. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.

    Read More

More about Research Paper On Komodo Dragon

Open Document