Post by B'kay on Mar 12, 2008 18:12:48 GMT -5
DRAGON ANATOMY
As you all know, dragons were adapted by humans in Pern's early history, and share their ancestry with their firelizard cousins, so many of their anatomical structures are similar. The differences you see, according to what our historical Harpers teach us, were all created by human scientists.
Nervous System
A dragon's nervous system is highly developed. They are very intelligent, though their memory spans are somewhat short as a rule. There are as many individual variations of dragon intelligence and personality as their are human variations, and it is well known that the dragon who chooses a rider usually compliments his or her personality well.
The dragon's ability to connect empathically and telepathically with their humans is a critical part of their development, and it is said that it was deliberately enhanced from the firelizard's similar, though lesser, talents.
Chewing Firestone
A dragon's second stomach is specially adapted to mix crushed firestone with acids to produce flame. The jaws and back teeth are immensely powerful, for the purpose of crushing the stone. Later, when we are teaching the young dragon's to chew, do not be too dismayed if your dragon bites his tongue a few times ... it's a tricky skill to learn, but once learned it becomes second nature.
Skin
As you've already notice, much emphasis has been put on skin care of your young dragons. While a dragon's hide is very tough and durable, it also can dry, crack, and chafe. It is important that we care for our dragon's skin diligently by using oils, ointments and frequent bathing. This is particular important for growing dragons, as the rapid growth of your lifemates puts extra stress on the skin. Cracked, sore skin is an annoyance to any dragon, but a potential peril to a dragon who goes between. As you've already discovered, however, dragons are not shy about letting us know where they itch.
Circulatory and Pulmonary Systems
The dragon's heart is massive and powerful, in order to sustain the body's great size and strength, and provide lifeforce and energy needed in flight. Although dragons have veins and arteries like we do, their "blood" is different, as it is green ichor rather than red blood such as humans have. It serves the same function, however, by providing oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Similarly, as indicated by the dragon's massive chest, its lung capacity is vast, giving the species great endurance.
Digestive System
Dragons are carnivores, as we all have noted frequently. They are also, and I'm sure no one here would disagree, born hungry. Fortunately, as you are discovering, as their initial rapid growth slows and evens out, so does their appetite. Soon your dragons will only need to eat once or twice a sevenday.
Structure
Dragons have six limbs ... four legs and two powerful wings. The wings contain long, light and very strong hollow bones that compare to human fingers. The wing sails are membranes that stretch between the bones, and though fragile looking, are actually very strong and tough. Dragon bones are much lighter respectively, but also much stronger, than human bones.
The hind legs are massively powerful, with musculature strong enough to launch dragon and rider for flight ... though most dragons prefer the ease of launching from a height or ledge if available. We will be drilling our dragons, once flight is permitted, in ground-launching, even though some might complain.
Dragons have five toes on each limb, giving them great dexterity.
The skeletal structure of dragons is perfectly formed to support the massive musculature necessary for prolonged and agile flight. The powerful hind limbs, massive chest, and even the long, balanced neck and tail, are all geared toward flight skills.
Feel the muscles of your dragon's chest, back, shoulders, and the muscles which attach and operate the wings. The fate of Pern rests in their strength and health, so much of your time will be spent assuring that your dragons get adequate exercise to keep those muscles healthy.
A dragon's wings average about 3/4ths of its body length, though there is considerable individual variation. Some dragons have wings slightly shorter and broader than average; others longer and more narrow.
The wing span averages, again with considerable variation for the individual, about one and two-thirds the dragon's length from snout to tail tip.
ASSIGNMENT: Explain how you feel a dragon's variation in wing length and shape may affect its flying skills.
As you all know, dragons were adapted by humans in Pern's early history, and share their ancestry with their firelizard cousins, so many of their anatomical structures are similar. The differences you see, according to what our historical Harpers teach us, were all created by human scientists.
Nervous System
A dragon's nervous system is highly developed. They are very intelligent, though their memory spans are somewhat short as a rule. There are as many individual variations of dragon intelligence and personality as their are human variations, and it is well known that the dragon who chooses a rider usually compliments his or her personality well.
The dragon's ability to connect empathically and telepathically with their humans is a critical part of their development, and it is said that it was deliberately enhanced from the firelizard's similar, though lesser, talents.
Chewing Firestone
A dragon's second stomach is specially adapted to mix crushed firestone with acids to produce flame. The jaws and back teeth are immensely powerful, for the purpose of crushing the stone. Later, when we are teaching the young dragon's to chew, do not be too dismayed if your dragon bites his tongue a few times ... it's a tricky skill to learn, but once learned it becomes second nature.
Skin
As you've already notice, much emphasis has been put on skin care of your young dragons. While a dragon's hide is very tough and durable, it also can dry, crack, and chafe. It is important that we care for our dragon's skin diligently by using oils, ointments and frequent bathing. This is particular important for growing dragons, as the rapid growth of your lifemates puts extra stress on the skin. Cracked, sore skin is an annoyance to any dragon, but a potential peril to a dragon who goes between. As you've already discovered, however, dragons are not shy about letting us know where they itch.
Circulatory and Pulmonary Systems
The dragon's heart is massive and powerful, in order to sustain the body's great size and strength, and provide lifeforce and energy needed in flight. Although dragons have veins and arteries like we do, their "blood" is different, as it is green ichor rather than red blood such as humans have. It serves the same function, however, by providing oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Similarly, as indicated by the dragon's massive chest, its lung capacity is vast, giving the species great endurance.
Digestive System
Dragons are carnivores, as we all have noted frequently. They are also, and I'm sure no one here would disagree, born hungry. Fortunately, as you are discovering, as their initial rapid growth slows and evens out, so does their appetite. Soon your dragons will only need to eat once or twice a sevenday.
Structure
Dragons have six limbs ... four legs and two powerful wings. The wings contain long, light and very strong hollow bones that compare to human fingers. The wing sails are membranes that stretch between the bones, and though fragile looking, are actually very strong and tough. Dragon bones are much lighter respectively, but also much stronger, than human bones.
The hind legs are massively powerful, with musculature strong enough to launch dragon and rider for flight ... though most dragons prefer the ease of launching from a height or ledge if available. We will be drilling our dragons, once flight is permitted, in ground-launching, even though some might complain.
Dragons have five toes on each limb, giving them great dexterity.
The skeletal structure of dragons is perfectly formed to support the massive musculature necessary for prolonged and agile flight. The powerful hind limbs, massive chest, and even the long, balanced neck and tail, are all geared toward flight skills.
Feel the muscles of your dragon's chest, back, shoulders, and the muscles which attach and operate the wings. The fate of Pern rests in their strength and health, so much of your time will be spent assuring that your dragons get adequate exercise to keep those muscles healthy.
A dragon's wings average about 3/4ths of its body length, though there is considerable individual variation. Some dragons have wings slightly shorter and broader than average; others longer and more narrow.
The wing span averages, again with considerable variation for the individual, about one and two-thirds the dragon's length from snout to tail tip.
ASSIGNMENT: Explain how you feel a dragon's variation in wing length and shape may affect its flying skills.
