Compare/Contrast - Mojave Rattlesnakes and Komodo Dragons
Rick Gustina
Roy McGinnis
English 111 - Mon/Wed
2 September 2013
Komodo Dragons and Mojave Rattlesnakes Both being of the reptilian phylum, and being the most dominant of that class in their area, the Komodo Dragon and Mojave Rattlesnake have seemingly nothing in common other than their physical scaliness. However, the similarities between these two animals go much further than mere appearance. Despite their positions on opposites sides of the globe, the Komodo Dragon and Mojave Rattlesnake share similar living environments, a venomous bite, and similar hunting tactics. The Komodo Dragon, even though living in a the tropical climate of Indonesia, prefers the hot, low, dry areas of grasslands and the openness of the savannas. However, its not uncommon to find a Komodo Dragon resting in the canopy of a tropical forest. The aridness of a grassland allows this gargantuan lizard to blend very well with its surroundings due to the tinge of its brown scales. The Komodo Dragon will make burrows underground to house itself and its eggs if it has any. Much like the Komodo Dragon, the Mojave Rattlesnake prefers the low altitude grasslands and savannas. However, it will stay in arid areas and never venture into vegetation as it agitates the rattlesnakes tongue-flicking senses. The Mojave Rattlesnake will also make burrows in the ground but will seek refuge under rocks or on a cliff side as well. It is also brown, and tan scales make it very easy for it to blend well with the region so the prey has a lower chance of finding the sinister presence. The Mojave Rattlesnake is well known for its very potent, debilitating venom. Although the snakes bite is rarely lethal to humans, the bite is more than enough to kill a small mammal such as a jack rabbit or a rat. The venom of the Mojave Rattlesnake has significant debilitating results on a human: ranging from visual hallucinations to muscle locking and a swollen windpipe. If left untreated by antivenom, the bite could
Roy McGinnis
English 111 - Mon/Wed
2 September 2013
Komodo Dragons and Mojave Rattlesnakes Both being of the reptilian phylum, and being the most dominant of that class in their area, the Komodo Dragon and Mojave Rattlesnake have seemingly nothing in common other than their physical scaliness. However, the similarities between these two animals go much further than mere appearance. Despite their positions on opposites sides of the globe, the Komodo Dragon and Mojave Rattlesnake share similar living environments, a venomous bite, and similar hunting tactics. The Komodo Dragon, even though living in a the tropical climate of Indonesia, prefers the hot, low, dry areas of grasslands and the openness of the savannas. However, its not uncommon to find a Komodo Dragon resting in the canopy of a tropical forest. The aridness of a grassland allows this gargantuan lizard to blend very well with its surroundings due to the tinge of its brown scales. The Komodo Dragon will make burrows underground to house itself and its eggs if it has any. Much like the Komodo Dragon, the Mojave Rattlesnake prefers the low altitude grasslands and savannas. However, it will stay in arid areas and never venture into vegetation as it agitates the rattlesnakes tongue-flicking senses. The Mojave Rattlesnake will also make burrows in the ground but will seek refuge under rocks or on a cliff side as well. It is also brown, and tan scales make it very easy for it to blend well with the region so the prey has a lower chance of finding the sinister presence. The Mojave Rattlesnake is well known for its very potent, debilitating venom. Although the snakes bite is rarely lethal to humans, the bite is more than enough to kill a small mammal such as a jack rabbit or a rat. The venom of the Mojave Rattlesnake has significant debilitating results on a human: ranging from visual hallucinations to muscle locking and a swollen windpipe. If left untreated by antivenom, the bite could