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Mysteries of the Komodo Dragon: The Biggest, Deadliest Lizard Gives Up Its Secrets
Scientists discover the secrets of the Komodo dragon. This strange creature inspired myth and legend, luring brave souls into the forests of Indonesia to see if the tales were true. In the end, it attracted scientists, who unraveled the mysteries of how such a remarkable creature could exist, how it uses the deadly germs in its saliva to its advantage, and how those microbes may lead to cures for stubborn diseases. Wildlife biologist and children's writer Marty Crump describes how her friends, colleagues and other scientists tracked, studied, and escaped the Komodo dragon. Her dramatic text, complemented by photographs from key scientists, tells the true story of the world's deadliest lizard.
A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to the Komodo Survival Program.
A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to the Komodo Survival Program.
- GenresNonfictionChildrens
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 21, 2020
Super interesting and informative. Good for kids who like gross stuff!
September 19, 2022
My reptile-obsessed sons really enjoyed this book on how scientists started learning more about Komodo dragons especially how and why their bites are so toxic.
February 16, 2011
Komodo dragons have always intrigued me, and this book is an interesting look at this mysterious, scary, and somewhat maligned lizard. One of the first scientists to study the dragons was Dr. Auffenburg, a herpetologist from the University of Florida. In the 1960s, he took his wife and three enthusiastic sons, ages five, eight, and fifteen, to Komodo Island and spent eleven months studying everything they could about them. Part of the fun of this book is reading about the boys and seeing pictures of them handling the lizards.
Since Dr. Auffenburg's groundbreaking work, scientists have found out many things about Komodo dragons. You have probably heard how deadly Komodo dragon saliva is--there are fifty-four potentially deadly kinds of bacteria in it--but the dragon's blood has substances that counteract this bacteria and might work as antibiotics for humans. It has also been discovered Females can reproduce with or without a male--the eggs don't have to be fertilized. Believe it or not, Komodo dragons have personalities; some are even playful and friendly!
This is a fascinating book with great pictures.
Since Dr. Auffenburg's groundbreaking work, scientists have found out many things about Komodo dragons. You have probably heard how deadly Komodo dragon saliva is--there are fifty-four potentially deadly kinds of bacteria in it--but the dragon's blood has substances that counteract this bacteria and might work as antibiotics for humans. It has also been discovered Females can reproduce with or without a male--the eggs don't have to be fertilized. Believe it or not, Komodo dragons have personalities; some are even playful and friendly!
This is a fascinating book with great pictures.
December 9, 2010
I wouldn't usually do a Goodreads review on this type of book BUT this book was so INCREDIBLE that I want all my librarian friends to know that I think YOU SHOULD ALL GET IT FOR YOUR LIBRARY!!!!! I received this book as a review book from the school district. The review that follows is the one I did for the school district website.
Did you know a Komodo Dragon is about 1/4 the size of a TRex? Did you know that Komodo Dragon saliva is used in many antibiotics? Did you know that a female Komodo Dragon can reproduce with no contact from a male? This amazing book explains why Komodo's are important and special. The information is more than interesting- it is riveting. The real life photographs are as remarkable as the text.
Did you know a Komodo Dragon is about 1/4 the size of a TRex? Did you know that Komodo Dragon saliva is used in many antibiotics? Did you know that a female Komodo Dragon can reproduce with no contact from a male? This amazing book explains why Komodo's are important and special. The information is more than interesting- it is riveting. The real life photographs are as remarkable as the text.
May 9, 2012
An engrossing, fascinating book about Komodo dragons. Want to know how to collect samples of dragon spit? Did you know that female dragons can reproduce without a male around? Students who want to know more about these vicious reptiles will be fully satisfied with this book. Also, fabulous pictures!
Recommended as a great nonfiction text for middle school students -- the reading level is fairly low (upper elementary) but the book presents a lot of information. I have to admit that I initially thought the book would be fairly challenging and that it was very text heavy, but the reading is easy and the narrative compelling.
Recommended for nonfiction animal book lovers in grades 4 - 7.
Recommended as a great nonfiction text for middle school students -- the reading level is fairly low (upper elementary) but the book presents a lot of information. I have to admit that I initially thought the book would be fairly challenging and that it was very text heavy, but the reading is easy and the narrative compelling.
Recommended for nonfiction animal book lovers in grades 4 - 7.
December 18, 2011
Ugh. Students, especially some boys I know, will love this. I was personally grossed out by some of the facts. I also found myself calling out to my husband, "Did you know that a Komodo Dragon can eat a water buffalo?". Fun read.
August 5, 2010
An excellent, informative introduction to this ugly, formidable critter.
August 20, 2010
Gruesome, deadly, and most of all, BIG! Who doesn't love Komodo Dragons?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews