Komodo dragons have iron-tipped teeth that help rip prey apart, with iron concentrated on the cutting edges and tips, giving them an orange hue.
The iron causes their teeth to appear orange, which is noticeable especially at the sharp edges, aiding in effective prey handling.
Native to Indonesia, Komodo dragons average 80 kg (176 lbs) and are known for their carnivorous diet and formidable hunting skills.
These lizards consume almost any type of meat and are recognized for their deadly predatory nature, crucial for their survival in the wild.
Analysis revealed iron forms a protective coating on the teeth, crucial for maintaining sharpness and efficiency in slicing through meat.
The iron layer prevents quick enamel wear, essential for sustaining the razor-sharpness of their teeth needed for slicing through tough meat.
The presence of iron in reptilian teeth was unexpected, as iron is usually linked to the more complex teeth of mammals rather than reptiles.
Understanding the iron in Komodo dragon teeth could offer insights into similar structures in carnivorous dinosaurs, although fossilized teeth pose challenges for accurate analysis.
This discovery not only deepens knowledge about Komodo dragons but also supports their conservation efforts by highlighting their unique biological adaptations.