Developing a scientifically accurate species of dragon-like humanoids

I'm trying to figure out a way to make this species as I envision it while still maintaining scientific realism. I want to get it as close to "yes, this could exist in the real universe" as possible. If you want a quick visual primer: something like this or this - but with wings capable of flight and tail. I'm not an expert in biology or astronomy, so everything below is up for criticism. Thanks in advance!

My rough draft of their origin is: they are descendant from an ancient dragon-like being that was killed long ago, its remains preserved and left adrift in the vacuum of space. Eventually it's captured in the gravity of a young, habitable planet and plummets to the surface, where a panspermia-type event helps to create new life. Evolution does its thing over the course of many, many years, and sooner or later come this race, evolved in the image of the original creature. How far along the planet was in its development I'm not sure, but they are meant to be the first sapient species on the planet. Again, all of this is subject to change based on my lack of expert knowledge.

Here are some basic traits that I'd like - with diet and genetics playing a factor when appropriate.

• Height: An average somewhere around 6'8" (2.03m) - 7'2" (2.18m)
• Weight: Anywhere between 200-350 pounds (90.7-158.8kg)?
• Basic anatomy: Bipedal, humanoid anatomy - does it make sense that they would be upright, humanoid creatures without the presence of humans? With three fingers and a thumb for each hand. Digitigrade or plantigrade feet with three or four toes.
• Lifespan: ??? - I could use some help with this one - not sure how much of a factor all of these different traits would play into the average lifespan.

And for some more complex features...

• Wings: Made of a durable and light material, but not sure what exactly. Capable of powered flight, ideally - would this be possible without violating square-cube law? Ideally capable of providing enough lift to fly anywhere, but gliding once jumping from a high enough area could also be an option. Maybe a second pair of lungs that stores lifting gases like hydrogen.
• A tail: For stabilization during flight. Length and thickness will vary with genetics and diet, but typically as long as or slightly longer than the length from waist to feet. Serrated ridges along the top for protection and to use as a weapon. Would the tail be an extension of the backbone, or would it have its own vertebrae and ligaments?
• Fire-breathing: Could maybe have glands somewhere that store flammable gases like octane or methane, plus some sort of oxidant and ignition mechanism. I think this is the one that I need most help with, not too sure about the anatomy of storing all the required parts.
• Horns: Just because I want them! Their shape and size would be determined mostly by genetics. Protruding out from either side of the forehead and can curve while growing. Useful for protecting the head.

posted almost 5 years ago

Vigilant‭

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