Stage 6 Scaly Beasts: Here Be Dragons!
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Stage 6 Scaly Beasts: Here Be Dragons!

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason that Komodo dragons prefer to scavenge carrion rather than hunt live prey?

  • They have a specific diet that requires carrion.
  • They are naturally lazy and prefer to conserve energy. (correct)
  • They are not fast enough to catch live prey.
  • Their venom makes hunting too dangerous.

    • How do Komodo dragons deliver venom to their prey?

  • By rubbing it on the ground before hunting.
  • By injecting venom through their claws.
  • By breathing it into their prey's wounds.
  • Through their saliva while biting. (correct)

    • What is a significant drawback of parthenogenesis in Komodo dragons?

  • It increases the number of females significantly.
  • It always results in male offspring. (correct)
  • It leads to a diverse gene pool.
  • It allows for faster reproduction rates.

    • What unique reproductive method do Komodo dragons share with a few other lizard species?

    <p>Females can reproduce without males through parthenogenesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about Komodo dragons is true?

    <p>They can run at speeds of up to 12 mph.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What threat significantly impacts the habitat of Komodo dragons?

    <p>Deforestation and burning of land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of habitat do Komodo dragons primarily inhabit?

    <p>Harsh, rocky areas on tropical islands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the national park on Komodo Island established?

    <p>To protect the dragons and other species from extinction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of many related males and females in a species?

    <p>More likely to experience mutations and genetic issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'carnivore' imply about Komodo dragons?

    <p>They predominantly consume meat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Dragons in Myth and Reality

    • Dragons have been prominent in myths since Ancient Greece, often depicted in fantasy literature and films.
    • The Komodo dragon is a real reptile, native to the Sunda Islands of Indonesia, weighing over 300 pounds and measuring nearly 10 feet in length.

    Adaptations and Habitat

    • Komodo dragons inhabit harsh, rocky environments in tropical regions with lower rainfall compared to other parts of Indonesia.
    • The average temperature on Komodo Island can reach 30°C, even in the cooler months of July and August.

    Behavior and Diet

    • Despite being capable of running at speeds up to 12 mph, Komodo dragons prefer a more sedentary lifestyle, often scavenging carrion rather than hunting live prey.
    • They typically remain close to their home territory and wait along pathways for animals to pass, striking when opportunities arise.

    Unique Feeding Mechanism

    • The bite of a Komodo dragon is lethal due to venom that prevents blood clotting, leading to shock in the victim.
    • Prey often suffers fatal injuries from the bite, allowing the dragon to track its meal until it succumbs.

    Reproduction Strategies

    • Komodo dragons can reproduce through parthenogenesis, allowing females to breed without males present.
    • This process results in male offspring, contributing to a genetically bottlenecked population and increasing vulnerability to mutations.

    Conservation Challenges

    • Human activities such as deforestation, land burning, and poaching threaten the Komodo dragons' habitat and survival.
    • To combat these threats, the Indonesian government established a national park on Komodo Island in 1980, which serves both conservation and tourism purposes.

    Vocabulary Notes

    • "Plod" suggests a heavy, slow movement, characterizing the dragon's locomotion.
    • "Hence" indicates a logical connection or cause, relating to the name Komodo Island.
    • "Carnivore" designates Komodo dragons as meat-eaters, reflecting their predatory nature.

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    Here Be Dragons! Stage 6 Comprehension Pack PDF

    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of dragons in this Stage 6 quiz focusing on scaly beasts. Learn about the mythical dragons of ancient cultures and discover the real-life Komodo dragons that still inhabit our planet. Test your knowledge and dive into the lore and biology of these intriguing creatures.

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