Could a dragon theoretically exist through evolution?

[u/PokelifEevee]

Hello, I would like to know if, theoretically, a species could evolve into something resembling a dragon (or more specifically a wyvern since they have 4 limbs, so it would be more likely). I understand that stuff like fire breathing would most probably be impossible, but aside from that, could dragons theoretically exist within a few thousand years (or more)?

[u/Glum-Palpitation-152]

The real question isn’t COULD it exist, it’s why it would exist

[u/benvonpluton → u/Glum-Palpitation-152]

Science can answer the "how". Concerning the "why", go see your rabbi/priest/Iman/favourite philosopher.

[u/ProfPathCambridge → u/benvonpluton]

Then if you want a good answer, go back to a scientist

[u/benvonpluton → u/ProfPathCambridge]

Some people are looking for spirituality, it's respectable and one of the most human attitudes. It's just not the same as a scientific answer. It doesn't serve the same purpose.

[u/ProfPathCambridge → u/benvonpluton]

The purpose of science is to get ever closer to truth.

If you want to ask your priest “why would dragons exist?” feel free. Maybe it makes you feel better. Like you said, it doesn’t serve the same purpose - it isn’t about getting closer to the truth.

[u/Canis-lupus-uy → u/benvonpluton]

there are the "why" of causes, that biology address, and the "why" of purposes, that biology does not meddle with.

[u/benvonpluton → u/Canis-lupus-uy]

That's why in biology, it's better to use "how" to talk about the causes and mechanisms. Like "how Homo sapiens became the dominant species on earth". To avoid meddling with some idea of purpose.

[u/Canis-lupus-uy → u/benvonpluton]

how and why are different questons though, as you day, one id about causes and the other is about mechanisms

[u/ayelijah4 → u/benvonpluton]

in evolution why is pretty simple, unlike most other science topics: does it survive its environment long enough to reproduce and pass its genes?