Komodo dragon collision between Australia and Southeast Asia allowed these larger varanids to move back into what is now the Indonesian archipelago, extending their range as far east as the island of Timor. The Komodo dragon was believed to have differentiated from its Australian ancestors 4 million years ago. However, recent fossil evidence from Queensland suggests the Komodo dragon actually evolved in Australia before spreading to Indonesia. Dramatic lowering of sea level during the last glacial period uncovered extensive stretches of continental shelf that the Komodo dragon colonised, becoming isolated in their present island range as sea levels rose afterwards. Extinct Pliocene
Isthmian alligator lizard in western Panama. "G. rhombifer" can mostly be found on land, but has also been found living in trees. Isthmian alligator lizard The isthmian alligator lizard ("Gerrhonotus rhombifer") is a species of lizard of the Anguidae family. "G. rhombifer" is found in both Costa Rica and Panama. Unlike many lizards near its habitat, individuals have lateral folds. They give birth to live young. "Gerrhonotus rhombifer" had not been seen for fifty years, prior to being rediscovered in 2000 near Golfito, and is one of the rarest species of lizard in Costa Rica. "G. rhombifer" is a broad-headed, long-bodied lizard, which