Biological Significance of the Komodo Dragon’s Tail (Varanus komodoensis, Varanidae)

Autor: Anna Tomańska, Martyna Stawinoga, Kacper Szturo, Marzena Styczyńska, Joanna Klećkowska-Nawrot, Maciej Janeczek, Karolina Goździewska-Harłajczuk, Oleksii Melnyk, Tomasz Gębarowski
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Animals, Vol 14, Iss 15, p 2142 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 14152142
2076-2615
DOI: 10.3390/ani14152142
Popis: The Komodo dragon is a unique reptile with an elongated tail that exhibits hitherto unknown adaptations and functions. This tail, composed of 60–86 vertebrae, serves diverse ecological and physiological roles. In juveniles, it is essential for an arboreal lifestyle and balance, while in adults, it functions as a tool for defense and offensive actions. It possesses characteristic haemal arches and a dorsal keel, along with well-developed muscles which enable precise tail control, influencing the Komodo dragon’s maneuverability and directional changes. The tail stores adipose tissue, providing Komodo dragons with the ability to regulate body temperature and independence from other seasonal variations. The tail adipose tissue impacts numerous biochemical processes and may play a crucial role in the animals’ metabolic strategies and reproductive capabilities. Its functions include providing essential mineral compounds for the organism, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Analysing the biochemical composition of tail fat is crucial for understanding the health of Komodo dragons.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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