Would a realistic dragon shed their skin/scales?

Dragons are often thought to have impenetrable scales. If dragons were to shed them it would obviously make them far more vulnerable for a period of time. This on the other hand would make them easier to be hunted.

So the question is pretty straightforward. Would a dragon, based on modern science, shed their scales? Assuming the dragon is just overgrown lizard with fire breath, wings and scales made of metal-rich mineral composites. If so how long would the process take? Dragons are very common theme but their biology isn't explained often in detail.

Metal-rich mineral scales are most easily explainable. Minerals are heat resistant to withstand their own flames while metal would have it's own advantages. Dragons would eat minerals to grind their food while the excessive metal would come from equipment worn by humans they eat. So in short dragons are what they eat. If they eat valuables they might have golden scales while starved dragon wouldn't probably even have scales to begin with.

posted over 6 years ago

Wel Wyrmin‭

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