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https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/14834
Title: | A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus | Contributor(s): | Fry, Bryan G (author); Wroe, Stephen (author) ; Winter, Kelly L (author); Greisman, Laura (author); Roelants, Kim (author); van der Weerd, Louise (author); Clemente, Christofer J (author); Giannakis, Eleni (author); Hodgson, Wayne C (author); Luz, Sonja (author); Martelli, Paolo (author); Krishnasamy, Karthiyani (author); Teeuwisse, Wouter (author); Kochva, Elazar (author); Kwok, Hang Fai (author); Scanlon, Denis (author); Karas, John (author); Citron, Diane M (author); Goldstein, Ellie J C (author); Mcnaughtan, Judith E (author); Norman, Janette A (author); van Osch, Matthias J P (author); Moreno, Karen (author); Ingle, Janette (author); McHenry, Colin (author); Ferrara, Toni (author); Clausen, Phillip (author); Scheib, Holger (author) | Publication Date: | 2009 | DOI: | 10.1073/pnas.0810883106 | Handle Link: | https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/14834 | 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. | Publication Type: | Journal Article | Source of Publication: | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(22), p. 8969-8974 | Publisher: | National Academy of Sciences | Place of Publication: | United States of America | ISSN: | 1091-6490 0027-8424 |
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: | 060807 Animal Structure and Function 040308 Palaeontology (incl Palynology) |
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: | 970104 Expanding Knowledge in the Earth Sciences 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences |
Peer Reviewed: | Yes | HERDC Category Description: | C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal |
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Appears in Collections: | Journal Article |
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