Humans lived alongside giant lizards. Some would say we still do. Doesn't the Komodo dragon still exist in Indonesia? Australian Aboriginals did have to fear an attack by giant killer lizards. A fossil has been found in north Queensland near Rockhampton.
Scientists are sure that giant lizards existed on this continent. The fossil is only about one-centimeter square. Radiocarbon dating shows the animal is 50,000 years old. Giant lizards were thought to go back to 80,000 years.
Debate continues whether the lizard is a Komodo or a giant Megalania monitor, Megalania prisca. This is not that important. It does show that Man coexisted with a very large dangerous reptile. It would have made life difficult during the day for ancient humans. Dragons cannot run as fast but they do a good job of ambush, pouncing on unsuspecting prey.
◆ Science by Ty Buchanan ◆
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