Iron coatings help Komodo dragons maintain their sharp ziphodont teeth

A komodo dragon

Source: © Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock

Research sheds light on structure–function relationships in teeth of carnivorous reptiles

An iron-rich mineral coats the serrated edges of Komodo dragon teeth, new research shows. It suggests that iron sequestration is likely prevalent in many reptile enamels but is more concentrated in Komodo dragons to maintain their sharpness.