"Survival Strategies: Lizards Evading Venomous Snakes"
A study led by the University of Queensland has revealed how certain lizards, including Komodo dragons and goannas, have evolved to resist the deadly neurotoxins of venomous Australian snakes. The research found that most large varanid lizards have inherited neurotoxin resistance, possibly due to their predatory lifestyle, while some smaller species lost and regained this resistance as they adapted to different environments. Additionally, the study showed that some lizards rely on their physical build, such as thick scales and large teeth, to protect themselves against snakebites. This research sheds light on the dynamic nature of evolutionary processes in delicate ecosystems and highlights the intense predator-prey dynamic between lizards and snakes.