Surprise:Komodo dragons have iron-covered teeth

They are not only huge, poisonous and aggressive.Researchers have discovered their "metallic" secret:terribly sharp and resistant fangs

ROME – They are not only huge, poisonous and aggressive.Now scientists have discovery That Komodo dragons have their teeth coated with a layer of iron, which helps them keep the serrated edges razor sharp.It's the first time a metal coating has been observed in an animal, and researchers describe it as "a surprising and overlooked adaptation."

The coating was discovered when researchers noticed that the tips and serrated edges of Komodo dragons' teeth were covered in a layer of orange pigment.Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the enamel contained concentrated iron, which makes teeth very hard and resistant to wear.

Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world, growing to more than three meters in length and weighing an average of 80kg.They live in several Indonesian islands, and feed on large and small prey:from birds to water buffaloes, to attacking and eating other Komodo dragons.

Humans have also been killed by dragons:in 2007, a child on the island of Komodo;two years later a fruit picker after falling from a tree;and in 2010, another Indonesian worker saved his life by punching himself free from the animal's jaws.

Indonesian authorities have considered banning tourists from entering the island, fearing that visitors were influencing the animals' mating habits by making them docile due to food supplies.The species is at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting.There are only 3,500 specimens left in the wild.