Edited by David B. Wake, University of California, Berkeley, CA, and approved April 16, 2009 (received for review October 28, 2008)
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.
Author contributions: B.G.F., S.W., and W.C.H. designed research; B.G.F., S.W., W.T., M.J.P.v.O., K.M., J.I., C.M., T.F., P.C., H.S., K.L.W., L.G., K.R., L.v.d.W., C.J.C., E.G., W.C.H., S.L., P.M., K.K., E.K., H.F.K., D.S., J.K., J.E.M., and J.A.N. performed research; B.G.F., S.W., W.T., M.J.P.v.O., and H.S. contributed new reagents/analytic tools; B.G.F., S.W., W.T., M.J.P.v.O., K.M., J.I., C.M., T.F., P.C., H.S., K.L.W., L.G., K.R., L.v.d.W., C.J.C., E.G., W.C.H., S.L., P.M., K.K., E.K., H.F.K., D.M.C., E.J.C.G., J.E.M., and J.A.N. analyzed data; and B.G.F., S.W., W.T., M.J.P.v.O., D.M.C., E.J.C.G., and J.A.N. wrote the paper.
↵2Present address: Fusion Antibodies Ltd., Belfast BT17 0QL, United Kingdom.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
This article is a PNAS Direct Submission.
This article contains supporting information online at www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/0810883106/DCSupplemental.
