Graduation Year
2020
Graduation Month
May
Document Type
Professional Paper
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
School or Department
Biological Sciences, Division of
Major
Biology
Faculty Mentor
Kylla Benes
Keywords
dragons, mythical creatures, biology, evolutionary biology, evolution, creative writing, fantasy, natural history, the history of life
Subject Categories
Animal Sciences | Biology | Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Evolution | Ornithology | Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Zoology
Abstract
Dragons have been depicted in human art as early as 4500 BCE. For centuries, these fantasy creatures have inspired countless folk and fantasy tales, as well as appearing in the art of different cultures around the world. Now there are thousands of different depictions of these huge, flying, fire-breathing lizards, but are any of them possible? In this study, I reference peer-reviewed scientific articles, phylogenetic analysis, and paleoart studies to create biologically-sound dragons. Basing the dragon lineage on a real branch of webbed-winged scansoriopterygids—an extinct family of climbing and gliding maniraptoran dinosaurs—I explored the possible wing-structure, fire-breathing abilities, and effects of adaptive radiation on these hypothetical dragons. My research, compiled in an illustrated and easy to read book, will be both entertaining and educational. Catching the attention of readers with the idea of scientifically correct dragons, I will then take them on an enlightening journey through evolutionary biology concepts like homology, convergent evolution, and alternate evolution. It is important to educate the public on basic biology so that they better understand the scientific (or unscientific) research they are shown on media, helping to bridge the communication gap between scientists and the public.
Honors College Research Project
Yes
GLI Capstone Project
no
Recommended Citation
Mayfield, Laura J., "The Evolution of Dragons" (2020). Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts. 299.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/utpp/299
Included in
Biology Commons, Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Commons, Evolution Commons, Ornithology Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Zoology Commons
© Copyright 2020 Laura J. Mayfield