Monitor Lizards: Sight, Hearing, Size, Teeth and Skull

How well do monitor lizards see?

Monitor lizards have sharp and sensitive eyesight. They can see objects from far away and use this advantage to identify pray and keep their distance from predators. Their eyesight, similar to certain types of dinosaur (Tyrannosaurus) is based on movement. Their visual field spans 240 degrees.

Do monitor lizards see in color or black and white?

Just like researchers are uncertain about the visions capabilities of dinosaurs in terms of color, scientists, at the time of this writing, are uncertain as to whether monitor lizards and see in color or not. What we do now is that their ability to see in the dark is limited.

How do monitor lizards communicate? Can they hear?

Monitors primary method of communication is via their movements and their posture. They will make various noises - hissing when threatened and at times, a sneezing like sound. Evidence suggests that monitor lizards can hear, but as far as researchers can tell they rely less on hearing and more on their other senses.

How large do monitor lizards grow?

The size of a monitor lizard varies entirely according to their species. Some have long necks and snouts, and some short; some have long necks, and others barely have one at all. Their bodies also vary greatly in size - the largest living monitor lizard is the famous Komodo dragon, which can be found on several islands, including one named after the lizard itself - Komodo island, in Indonesia.

Various factors contribute to a monitor lizards' size. These include diet and nutrition, climate and habitat conditions. In general, male lizards will exceed female lizards in size.

What and how do monitor lizards eat?

Some monitor lizards have sharper teeth than others. But teeth don't necessarily make a difference, as monitor lizards will typically swallow their prey whole. The epiglottis prevents food and water from entering the larynx, allowing a monitor lizard to breathe while it swallows its food. A monitor lizard's teeth, unlike human teeth, are replaced on a regular basis throughout their life.