<P> The Komodo dragon can see objects as far away as 300 m (980 ft), but because its retinas only contain cones, it is thought to have poor night vision . It can distinguish colours, but has poor visual discrimination of stationary objects . </P> <P> The Komodo dragon uses its tongue to detect, taste, and smell stimuli, as with many other reptiles, with the vomeronasal sense using the Jacobson's organ, rather than using the nostrils . With the help of a favorable wind and its habit of swinging its head from side to side as it walks, a Komodo dragon may be able to detect carrion from 4--9.5 km (2.5--5.9 mi) away . It only has a few taste buds in the back of its throat . Its scales, some of which are reinforced with bone, have sensory plaques connected to nerves to facilitate its sense of touch . The scales around the ears, lips, chin, and soles of the feet may have three or more sensory plaques . </P> <P> The Komodo dragon prefers hot and dry places, and typically lives in dry, open grassland, savanna, and tropical forest at low elevations . As an ectotherm, it is most active in the day, although it exhibits some nocturnal activity . Komodo dragons are solitary, coming together only to breed and eat . They are capable of running rapidly in brief sprints up to 20 km / h (12 mph), diving up to 4.5 m (15 ft), and climbing trees proficiently when young through use of their strong claws . To catch out - of - reach prey, the Komodo dragon may stand on its hind legs and use its tail as a support . As it matures, its claws are used primarily as weapons, as its great size makes climbing impractical . </P> <P> For shelter, the Komodo dragon digs holes that can measure from 1 to 3 m (3.3 to 9.8 ft) wide with its powerful forelimbs and claws . Because of its large size and habit of sleeping in these burrows, it is able to conserve body heat throughout the night and minimise its basking period the morning after . The Komodo dragon hunts in the afternoon, but stays in the shade during the hottest part of the day . These special resting places, usually located on ridges with cool sea breezes, are marked with droppings and are cleared of vegetation . They serve as strategic locations from which to ambush deer . </P>

Where did the komodo dragon get its name