科學家報告說,科莫多巨蜥咬它們的獵物的時候注入毒液,從而讓獵物削弱和無法移動。人們知道這種爬行動物咬它們的獵物,然後釋放它們,讓它們因傷流血而死;據報告,受害者出現休克,然後科莫多巨蜥殺死它們並把它們吃掉。
一些科學家認為科莫多巨蜥嘴裡的致病細菌感染了獵物,但是Bryan Fry及其同事如今證明了這種爬行類的牙齒和毒液的組合很可能是它們的狩獵威力的原因。這組科學家利用計算機建模分析了科莫多巨蜥的咬的動作,結果發現它們的咬的威力遠遠比鱷魚更弱。
然而,這組作者用磁共振成像技術發現了科莫多巨蜥的複雜毒液腺。在從動物園的一頭患晚期疾病的科莫多巨蜥身上用手術切除這些腺體之後,這組科學家利用質譜儀獲得了這種毒液的特徵,結果發現這種毒素類似於希拉毒蜥和許多種蛇的毒液。這種毒液通過防止血液凝結和擴張血管從而導致血壓嚴重下降,從而讓受害者休克。這組科學家還檢查了已滅絕的巨蜥親緣物種——古巨蜥的化石,結果發現這種7米長的蜥蜴是曾經存在過的最大的有毒液動物之一。(生物谷Bioon.com)
生物谷推薦原始出處:
PNAS May 18, 2009, doi: 10.1073/pnas.0810883106
A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus
Bryan G. Frya,b,1, Stephen Wroec, Wouter Teeuwissed, Matthias J. P. van Oschd, Karen Morenoc,e, Janette Inglef, Colin McHenryf, Toni Ferrarac, Phillip Clausenf, Holger Scheibg, Kelly L. Winterh, Laura Greismana,b,h, Kim Roelantsi, Louise van der Weerdd,j, Christofer J. Clementek, Eleni Giannakisl, Wayne C. Hodgsonh, Sonja Luzm, Paolo Martellin, Karthiyani Krishnasamyo, Elazar Kochvap, Hang Fai Kwokq,2, Denis Scanlonb, John Karasb, Diane M. Citronr, Ellie J. C. Goldsteinr, Judith E. Mcnaughtans and Janette A. Normana,b,t
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.