A recent study discovered that many Australian monitor lizards possess hidden osteoderms, tiny bones under their skin, which may serve various functions such as protection and thermoregulation, challenging previous understanding of reptile evolution.
Scientists have discovered that nearly half of all lizard species, including Australian monitor lizards, possess hidden bony skin structures called osteoderms, which may play roles in protection, heat regulation, and calcium storage, reshaping understanding of reptile evolution.
A new study using micro-CT imaging revealed that nearly half of all lizard species, including 29 Australo-Papuan goannas, possess hidden bone plates called osteoderms, challenging previous assumptions and opening new avenues for understanding their evolution and adaptation in harsh environments.