Title: Komodo monitor (Varanus komodoensis) feeding behavior and dental function reflected through tooth marks on bone surfaces, and the application to ziphodont paleobiology.
Authors: D'Amore, Domenic C.; Blumenschine, Robert J.
Abstract: The article examines the feeding behavior and dental function of the Komodo monitor or Komodo dragon through tooth marks on bone surfaces. The research's application to the area of ziphodont paleobiology is also discussed. A medial-caudal arc was observed when the Komodo dragon defleshed goat carcasses, modifying bone surfaces extensively. The observations are significant in a goal to obtain functional, behavioral and taphonomic interpretations from fossil assemblages. A figure showing Varanus komodoensis cranium which displays both premaxillary and maxillary dentition is presented.
Subjects: ANIMAL feeding behavior; ANIMAL behavior; KOMODO dragon; PALEOBIOLOGY; VARANUS; FOSSIL animals
Publication: Paleobiology, 2009, Vol 35, Issue 4, p525
ISSN: 0094-8373
Publication type: Academic Journal
DOI: 10.1666/0094-8373-35.4.525

Komodo monitor (Varanus komodoensis) feeding behavior and dental function reflected through tooth marks on bone surfaces, and the application to ziphodont paleobiology.

D'Amore, Domenic C.; Blumenschine, Robert J.