The genus Varanus komodoensis, or more commonly known as the Komodo dragon, is the largest living lizard on Earth. The Komodo dragon belongs to the reptilian class and phylum Chordata. This is a species of monitor lizard that has been isolated for millions of years on the islands of the Indonesian archipelago and was only discovered after the First World War (Diamond, 1994). The Komodo dragon is a huge reptile that can reach medium size. three meters long and weighs 150 kg. They have a complete digestive system and an internal skeletal system made up of bones and cartilage. They are surprisingly powerful with long, thick bodies, short, muscular legs, and a powerful tail. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 15 mph. Komodos teeth are specialized for a carnivorous diet. Their teeth are curved inward, making it more effective at catching and holding prey in its mouth. What makes their teeth unique is that they can grow an unlimited number of teeth. It is estimated that they grow more than 200 new teeth each year. The Komodo dragon has long, sharp, curved claws that are used for digging and has gray and brown skin covered in thick scales. They have a rather small head compared to the size of their body; however, the brain is relatively large, allowing for more complex actions not found in amphibians. They have extremely powerful jaws that contain deadly bacteria in their saliva. Saliva contains 40 different bacteria and an anticoagulant. Komodo dragons have very good eyesight, but they rely primarily on their sense of smell, which they use with their tongue. To do this, it removes its tongue from its mouth and, in doing so, is able to "taste" the odor particles in the air. The tongue does not move...... middle of paper ...... the ventricle is capable of pumping oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood simultaneously due to the number of folds found in the ventricle. Males are generally more larger than females, but there is no obvious physical difference marking their sex. There is only a very slight difference in the arrangement of the scales in front of the cloaca. Although it is difficult for researchers to identify the sexes, Komodos do not appear to have a problem. They mate between the months of May and August. The female lays around 30 eggs and the incubation cycle lasts around 9 months (Benyus, 1992). According to their website, the Komodo dragon has a population of approximately 3,000 to 6,000 individuals on the islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and Flores (National Geographic). However, with increasing poaching, human encroachment and natural disasters, the species has become endangered..