Classification of Dragons

All true dragons fall under the class Saurigna. It is a somewhat controversial class of organisms, many scientists categorising them as lizards, even birds on occasion. True dragons are characterised by their scaly body, laying eggs (except for a select few species), and a flame sac.

Since taxonomy first became popularised, 'dragons' have been accepted as their own clade, but their position in the world-wide cladogram has always been debatable. Saurigna had often been placed under Squamata, diverting alongside Bifurcata and Dibamia. It is now more widely accepted to say Saurigna split off from Sauria.

The study of dragons continues to be one of the most enriching sciences. These creatures are beyond breathtaking, capable of harnessing the elements of nature at will, dominating whatever ecosystem they find themselves in.

— Passionate dracologist

Terrafin by Mochi

Saurigna has three major subdivisions: Apterosquama, wingless dragons, Choripodisquama, legless dragons, and Ouranosquama, the most diverse infraclass containing all other species.

The number of dragon species in the Milky Way alone is estimated to be in the tens of trillions.

The modern classification of true dragons is thanks to taxonomists working for the A to Zoo.

There is much debate surrounding Apterosquama and Choripodisquama, and whether or not they belong under Saurigna. Most scientists nowadays believe they do, as they fit the base criteria for this class of organisms.