How to build your dragon: scaling of muscle architecture from the world's smallest to the world's largest monitor lizard.

Abstract in brief

• The study examines how muscle architecture in monitor lizards (varanids) scales from small to large species, highlighting that larger lizards increase muscle mass and cross-sectional area to handle greater stresses rather than changing their posture.
• Findings indicate that larger varanids adapt by boosting the force-generating capacity of certain muscles, especially those involved in limb movement, through increased muscle mass and PCSA, rather than adopting a more upright gait as seen in other animals.
• The research also shows that hindlimb posture varies with habitat, with climbing species adopting a sprawling stance requiring larger muscles, whereas terrestrial species tend to have a more upright posture, affecting their muscle architecture and support strategies.]