Reptiles
Introduction
Reptiles share a number of specific characteristics with each other. Examples of some reptiles are lizards, crocodiles, alligators, iguanas, turtles, and snakes. All reptiles have waterproof skin covered in scales. Reptiles have a three chambered heart just like amphibians. However, what makes the two groups different is that reptiles have lungs their entire lives while amphibians do not. Most reptiles lay fluid-filled eggs that are also covered with a leathery shell. While these eggs are not completely hard, they are protective coverings that characterize the group of reptiles. Reptile eggs are also laid on land, not in water, and young reptiles do not change forms or metamorphose when they grow older.
Komodo Dragon (Veranus komodoensis)
Weighing more than 300 pounds and reaching 10 feet in length, these huge lizards are known to be the largest lizards in the world. Komodo dragons (also known as Komodo monitor) are believed to have been around for millions of years, but this species has only been discovered about 100 years ago. They tend to have a lifespan of 30 years or more in the wild, but their species is placed on the endangered list. Komodo dragons can also run in short bursts of speed up to 11 mph.
Reproduction
Most would think that all animals reproduce sexually, but the Komodo dragons actually reproduces asexually and sexually. It has been discovered recently that female Komodo dragons do not need a male to reproduce. In fact, they use a rare form of asexual reproduction called parthenogenesis--or a virgin conception.
On the other hand, they also do reproduce sexually as well. This process begins with the males fighting each other for the females by grabbing each other with their hind legs. The winner of the fight then sticks out his tongue to gather information about the female's receptivity. As courtship begins, the female may try to resist, but the male must pin her down with his claws.
The female then lays her eggs in the sand to incubate them for 8 to 9 months. She usually lays 15 to 30 eggs at a time. When the babies hatch, they have to be alert, for they have many predators in the wild. Cannibalism can occur when the larger lizards try to eat the babies, but they escape the larger lizards by climbing trees. The babies then spend much of their first few years in the trees.
Habitat/Location
The Komodo dragon has thrived in the harsh climates of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands in the Komodo National Park for years. They can also be found in the larger island of Flores. These lizards live in a habitat where it is very hot and dry with little water. They are mostly found living near the shore in the savannas or forests of the islands. There is a stable population of 3,000 to 5,000 dragons on the islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and Flores.
Eating Habits
Komodo dragons are the more dominant carnivorous predators in their habitat. Therefore, they will eat almost anything. They will eat animals such as carrion, deer, pigs, smaller Komodo dragons, large water buffalo, and even humans. To catch their prey, they rely on camouflage and patience. The dragon waits on the ground for the prey to pass, and when it does, the Komodo dragon springs up with its hind legs and uses its sharp, jagged teeth and claws to rip and tear at the prey.
Animals that do survive the attach and manage to escape are only lucky for a short time. The saliva of the Komodo is filled with over 50 strains of harmful bacteria. Within a 24 hour period, the animal dies of blood poisoning. The Komodo dragon uses its extreme sense of smell to hunt down the escapee for miles. A single Komodo dragon can eat 80 percent of its own body weight during one feeding.
Reptiles share a number of specific characteristics with each other. Examples of some reptiles are lizards, crocodiles, alligators, iguanas, turtles, and snakes. All reptiles have waterproof skin covered in scales. Reptiles have a three chambered heart just like amphibians. However, what makes the two groups different is that reptiles have lungs their entire lives while amphibians do not. Most reptiles lay fluid-filled eggs that are also covered with a leathery shell. While these eggs are not completely hard, they are protective coverings that characterize the group of reptiles. Reptile eggs are also laid on land, not in water, and young reptiles do not change forms or metamorphose when they grow older.
Komodo Dragon (Veranus komodoensis)
Weighing more than 300 pounds and reaching 10 feet in length, these huge lizards are known to be the largest lizards in the world. Komodo dragons (also known as Komodo monitor) are believed to have been around for millions of years, but this species has only been discovered about 100 years ago. They tend to have a lifespan of 30 years or more in the wild, but their species is placed on the endangered list. Komodo dragons can also run in short bursts of speed up to 11 mph.
Reproduction
Most would think that all animals reproduce sexually, but the Komodo dragons actually reproduces asexually and sexually. It has been discovered recently that female Komodo dragons do not need a male to reproduce. In fact, they use a rare form of asexual reproduction called parthenogenesis--or a virgin conception.
On the other hand, they also do reproduce sexually as well. This process begins with the males fighting each other for the females by grabbing each other with their hind legs. The winner of the fight then sticks out his tongue to gather information about the female's receptivity. As courtship begins, the female may try to resist, but the male must pin her down with his claws.
The female then lays her eggs in the sand to incubate them for 8 to 9 months. She usually lays 15 to 30 eggs at a time. When the babies hatch, they have to be alert, for they have many predators in the wild. Cannibalism can occur when the larger lizards try to eat the babies, but they escape the larger lizards by climbing trees. The babies then spend much of their first few years in the trees.
Habitat/Location
The Komodo dragon has thrived in the harsh climates of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands in the Komodo National Park for years. They can also be found in the larger island of Flores. These lizards live in a habitat where it is very hot and dry with little water. They are mostly found living near the shore in the savannas or forests of the islands. There is a stable population of 3,000 to 5,000 dragons on the islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and Flores.
Eating Habits
Komodo dragons are the more dominant carnivorous predators in their habitat. Therefore, they will eat almost anything. They will eat animals such as carrion, deer, pigs, smaller Komodo dragons, large water buffalo, and even humans. To catch their prey, they rely on camouflage and patience. The dragon waits on the ground for the prey to pass, and when it does, the Komodo dragon springs up with its hind legs and uses its sharp, jagged teeth and claws to rip and tear at the prey.
Animals that do survive the attach and manage to escape are only lucky for a short time. The saliva of the Komodo is filled with over 50 strains of harmful bacteria. Within a 24 hour period, the animal dies of blood poisoning. The Komodo dragon uses its extreme sense of smell to hunt down the escapee for miles. A single Komodo dragon can eat 80 percent of its own body weight during one feeding.
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