# @science on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DENxPQCsH8N
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/61248123-science-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/92ac8a00ec.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-12-30T20:03:40.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Science 🧬 (@science) — https://gondola.cc/science

## Caption

🦎 Varanus, commonly known as monitor lizards, represent one of the most fascinating groups of reptiles in existence. These remarkable creatures range from the diminutive Varanus brevicauda of Australia, measuring just 20 centimeters in length, to the impressive Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) that can grow up to 3 meters long. What makes them particularly special among reptiles is their high intelligence and active foraging behavior - unlike many other lizards that primarily wait to ambush prey, and monitor lizards actively search for food using their highly developed sense of smell, which rivals that of many mammals.

The evolution of monitor lizards presents an interesting story of adaptation and survival. These reptiles first appeared during the late Cretaceous period, around 65 million years ago, and have since developed remarkable physiological features that set them apart from other lizards. Their unique cardiovascular system includes a specialized heart structure that allows for more efficient oxygen distribution, enabling them to be more active than most other reptiles. This advanced circulatory system, combined with their relatively high metabolic rate, allows monitor lizards to sustain intense physical activity for longer periods - a characteristic that has helped them become successful predators across various ecosystems.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of monitor lizards is their venom system, which was only recently discovered in 2005. Unlike the venom delivery system of snakes, which uses hollow fangs, monitor lizards have venom glands in their lower jaws that release toxins into wounds created by their serrated teeth. The venom's effects are generally mild in most species, but it serves multiple purposes - from helping to subdue prey to providing antimicrobial properties that prevent wound infections when they feed on carrion. This discovery fundamentally changed our understanding of venom evolution in reptiles and suggested that venom systems might be more ancient and widespread than previously thought.

_____

📹️ courtesy of: @varanusp

#varanus #reptile #lizards #lizard #varanuskomodoensis #venomous #biology #science

## Stats

- **Views:** 61,153
- **Likes:** 13,632
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 56

## Tags

reptile, science, lizard, lizards, varanus, biology, venomous, varanuskomodoensis

---
Copyright (c) Gondola