Goannas, a type of monitor lizard found mainly in Australia, are known for their iconic status among reptiles. But recent research has uncovered hidden bone structures beneath their skin, which could hold the key to their evolutionary success.
A new study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society has revealed that nearly half of all lizards have osteoderms, small bone plates embedded in their skin. These plates are thought to have evolved independently and can serve multiple purposes, including defence, heat regulation, movement, and even calcium supply during egg-laying.
The research team used a cutting-edge technique called micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to study the internal anatomy of lizards and snakes. This allowed them to create detailed 3D models of the animals’ bodies without destroying the specimens.
Their findings show that goannas, previously thought to lack osteoderms, actually have them in 29 out of 37 Australo-Papuan species. This discovery increases their known prevalence five times and opens up new avenues for further studies on these unique creatures.
The presence of osteoderms in goannas may hold clues to how they adapted to Australia’s harsh environment when they first arrived 20 million years ago. Further research could reveal the function and evolution of these enigmatic bone structures, providing insights into the forces that shaped Australia’s unique reptiles.
Source: https://theconversation.com/new-study-peers-beneath-the-skin-of-iconic-lizards-to-find-chainmail-bone-plates-and-lots-of-them-260700