Overview

• Researchers performed the first global micro-CT survey of squamate skin bones, examining almost 2,000 specimens from collections in Australia, Europe and the United States.
• Roy Ebel and colleagues documented osteoderms in 29 Australo-Papuan monitor lizard species for the first time, a fivefold increase among goannas.
• The study reveals dermal bone structures in about 46% of lizard species worldwide, marking an 85% rise over earlier estimates.
• Scientists propose that osteoderms support protection, thermoregulation, enhanced mobility and calcium storage during reproduction.
• Published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, the comprehensive osteoderm catalogue lays groundwork for new evolutionary and biomimetic research.