Biological Significance of the Komodo Dragon’s Tail (<i>Varanus komodoensis</i>, Varanidae)
Anna Tomańska,
Martyna Stawinoga,
Kacper Szturo,
Marzena Styczyńska,
Joanna Klećkowska-Nawrot,
Maciej Janeczek,
Karolina Goździewska-Harłajczuk,
Oleksii Melnyk,
Tomasz Gębarowski
Affiliations
Anna Tomańska
Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
Martyna Stawinoga
Veterinary Biotechnology Student Science Club “Refectio”, Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
Kacper Szturo
Veterinary Biotechnology Student Science Club “Refectio”, Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
Marzena Styczyńska
Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego St. 37/41, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
Joanna Klećkowska-Nawrot
Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
Maciej Janeczek
Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
Karolina Goździewska-Harłajczuk
Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
Oleksii Melnyk
Department of Animal Anatomy, Histology and Pathomorphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 03041 Kyiv, Ukraine
Tomasz Gębarowski
Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska St. 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
The Komodo dragon is a unique reptile with an elongated tail that exhibits hitherto unknown adaptations and functions. This tail, composed of 60–86 vertebrae, serves diverse ecological and physiological roles. In juveniles, it is essential for an arboreal lifestyle and balance, while in adults, it functions as a tool for defense and offensive actions. It possesses characteristic haemal arches and a dorsal keel, along with well-developed muscles which enable precise tail control, influencing the Komodo dragon’s maneuverability and directional changes. The tail stores adipose tissue, providing Komodo dragons with the ability to regulate body temperature and independence from other seasonal variations. The tail adipose tissue impacts numerous biochemical processes and may play a crucial role in the animals’ metabolic strategies and reproductive capabilities. Its functions include providing essential mineral compounds for the organism, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Analysing the biochemical composition of tail fat is crucial for understanding the health of Komodo dragons.
