The Genetic Origins of Dragons

Nathaniel MORRIS

Abstract


Dragons are popular creatures in fantasy that are large winged lizards that can be the size of a house. This report looks at the basic genetic requirements to produce Dragons. It finds that HOXD and HOXc-6 genes are necessary requirements for the formation of the dragon’s wings. It also investigates the size limits for birds and finds that due to the current bird size being limited by feather size dragons will likely lack them, and be closer to the ancient creatures that flew, such as the Quetzalcoatlus.


Keywords


Mythology; Biology; Genetics; HOX genes; Evolution; Dragon

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References


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