Student Article
Iron-Coated Teeth: The Secret of Komodo Dragons
Serrated (adjective): Having a jagged edge, like a saw.
Prey (noun): An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
Ferocious (adjective): Very fierce and violent.
Concentrated (adjective): Packed closely together.
Enamel (noun): The hard outer layer of a tooth.
Scientists have discovered that Komodo dragons have teeth coated with iron, which keeps their serrated edges sharp. This allows the massive lizards to tear through their prey efficiently.
What are Komodo dragons?
Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world, and are native to Indonesia. They can weigh up to 176 lb. (80 kg) and are known for their ferocious hunting skills. They use their sharp, curved teeth to hunt and rip apart various prey, including deer, horses, and even water buffaloes.
Iron-coated teeth
Researchers from King's College London found that Komodo dragons have concentrated layers of iron on their teeth. This iron is especially dense along the cutting edges and tips, making their teeth exceptionally sharp. The iron is so dense that it stains the teeth orange, unlike other reptiles that have less visible iron.
The dinosaur connection
The discovery, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, helps scientists understand how Komodo dragons hunt. It also provides clues about how dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus rex might have used their teeth to kill and eat their prey. Dr. Aaron LeBlanc, the study's lead author, suggests that while Komodo dragons have altered the chemistry of their teeth, some dinosaurs changed the structure of their dental enamel to maintain sharp edges.
© Daniel Graham / Our Media
Serrated (adjective): Having a jagged edge, like a saw.
Prey (noun): An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
Ferocious (adjective): Very fierce and violent.
Concentrated (adjective): Packed closely together.
Enamel (noun): The hard outer layer of a tooth.