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[ Return to Mythical Dragon Biology ]
The issue with sea dragons is that limb loss is a common
adaption of sea animals. As an example, whales and dolphins evolved from four-footed
ancestors. We cannot assume that a sea dragon with one set of limbs evolved directly from
land dragons with one set of limbs. Due to this uncertainty about where sea dragons might be
placed, they are being discussed in the own section.
Appearance
Sea dragons come in two main varieties. They can either have one set of flippers, or
they will have none and be more snake-like. They are often called sea serpents. The
'sea serpents' that appear to be long-extinct reptile species will not be covered here. We
are only interested in the more mythical varieties.
The two sorts of sea dragon could be close relatives or
distant relatives. Without examining real animals it is hard to know the answer to that.
Other features that are described include manes of bristles/hair, scales and ridges or
spikes running down the back.
Lifestyle/Habitat
They live in the deep ocean, sometimes coming closer to land. Some have been reported
in large in-land lakes. Most lifestyle habits are not discussed in old sources as sightings
are so fleeting.
Skeleton
Many of these sorts of dragon look snake-like. This does not mean the skeleton will
be like a snake. A snake cannot make the up and down movements that sea serpents
make. A sea serpent's skeleton is likely to have more in common with mammals, as they
are able to make the same sort of movements.
Diet
Though there are tales of dragons attacking boats, most sightings are more passive.
This would imply that something else, such as fish, is the main diet. It is
interesting that the Nahant sea serpent was known to come out when
the fishing boats did, attracted by same shoals of fish.
Physiology
The main issue for debate with sea dragons is are they endothermic or ectothermic?
It is difficult to answer. Most sea serpent sightings are in more temperate areas,
which might imply being ectothermic. With that said, some sightings have been in colder
times. The lack of insulated covering does not really help for a sea creature; modern
sea endotherms, such as seals and whales, have layers of fat to keep them warm instead
of fur. This is not easy to see from a brief sighting.
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