Writers' Community
Read(123,858). Write(71). Discuss(1,054).™
Asked by Steven Rogers 2 years 281 days ago.

Could any creature evolve to breathe fire, like a dragon?



Please Login to ask or answer a question, or Register if you do not have a WryteStuff Account.

Answers to this question:
» Answer from Ben Morrish Answer given 2 years 281 days ago.
In theory, probably yes (unless there's no continuous path of minor beneficial changes that could lead to fire-breathing) if selective pressures pushed in that direction.

In reality, it seems unlikely to be beneficial to the creature, partly because breathing fire would have a good chance of causing an uncontrollable fire in the creature's own habitat!

» Answer from Chris Duncan Answer given 2 years 281 days ago.
Besides the habitat, the creature would at the same time have to evolve resistance to heat so that it didn't fry its young or mate. Just doesn't seem likely.

» Comment from Ben Morrish Comment made 2 years 281 days ago.
It could evolve to be something like a human fire breather - spraying out a flammable chemical then igniting it just as it exits the mouth.

This way it wouldn't need much heat resistance itself, unless it had evolved behaviours where it would use the fire breath against other members of its own species.

But yeah, doesn't seem at all likely!

Total Answers: 2,   Total Page Views: 319.

The best answer has been selected.

The WryteStuff Q&A section is for entertainment and civil discourse only.   As always, if you need professional advice, seek the advice of a professional.