The skull morphology of the Komodo dragon, Varanus komodoensis (Reptilia, Squamata, Varanidae) — a digital-dissection study

Abstract

This study reports the cranial skeletal morphology of Varanus komodoensis Ouwens, 1912. Employing a high-resolution CT scan with subsequent use of 3D data visualization and analysis software, we generated a comprehensive 3D representation of the skull. Reconstruction of the osteoderm and 30 paired and unpaired bones was undertaken, and a detailed examination, comparison, and discussion of these structures were conducted in the context of existing literature. Special attention was given to morphological adaptations and phylogenetic relationships. The cranial morphology of V. komodoensis exhibits a pronounced adaptation to feeding behavior, characterized by a highly fenestrated skull and sharp ziphodont teeth, presumably optimized for the species’ distinctive hold-and-pull feeding technique. Several anatomical indicators of cranial kinesis were identified in the skull of V. komodoensis. The absence of the lower temporal bar is linked to the evolution of streptostyly, enabling the free oscillation of the quadrate. The lack of an osteoderm at the frontoparietal suture and the disruption of the postorbital bar provide evidence of mesokinesis. Additionally, loose connections in various cranial segments and the long mandible were interpreted as mobile connections, possibly facilitating the adaptation for swallowing large prey objects. A review of character states from existing literature reveals synapomorphies between the skull of Varanus komodoensis and the extinct V. priscus (Megalania) Owen, 1859, and also complemented the autapomorphic character states characteristic of the genus Varanus.