Komodo Dragon

# Evolutionary Timeline of the Komodo Dragon The Komodo dragon (*Varanus komodoensis*) is the largest living lizard, with an evolutionary history rooted in the varanid family of monitor lizards. Their ancestors originated in Asia during the Eocene epoch, around 40-50 million years ago, and spread to Australia and Indonesia. Key evolutionary pressures included island isolation, which promoted gigantism, and adaptations for predation in harsh environments. Major transitions involved developing a venomous bite, powerful senses, and metabolic efficiency. ### Key Milestones: - **Eocene (50-40 million years ago)**: Early varanid ancestors emerge in Asia, adapting to terrestrial predation amid warm, forested environments. - **Miocene (23-5 million years ago)**: Varanids migrate to Australasia; environmental changes like cooling climates and island formation drive diversification. - **Pliocene-Pleistocene (5 million years ago to present)**: Isolation on Indonesian islands leads to gigantism in *V. komodoensis*, influenced by lack of large predators and abundant prey like ancient megafauna. - **Holocene (recent)**: Human arrival introduces new pressures, including habitat loss and hunting, shaping modern survival traits.