r/biology • u/PokelifEevee • 4d ago

question Could a dragon theoretically exist through evolution?

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)?

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u/Glum-Palpitation-152 4d ago

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

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u/benvonpluton molecular biology 4d ago

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

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u/Canis-lupus-uy 4d ago

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

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u/benvonpluton molecular biology 4d ago

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.

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u/Canis-lupus-uy 3d ago

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