Submitted by Twilight Sparkle
On The Molting Cycles of Dragons
Twilights Sparklea
a Friendship Academy
Abstract:
For millenia, the habits and life cycles of dragons were largely a mystery to ponykind. However, with the signing of the Treaty of Ponyville (1003) and the subsequent opening of trade relations, new opportunties for their study have emerged. In this letter we a case study in the dragons' molting cycle and the role it plays in the social and biological development of adolescent dragons.
I: Introduction.
Since the signing of the Treaty of Ponyville (1003), numerous opportunies have existed for the studying of various aspects of dragon social norms and life cycles. However, many aspects remain unknown either because emissaries have not known to ask or, if they did, there was concern that it would be rude. The molting cycle of dragons is one such aspect.
While stone-like scales in areas where dragons are known to nest has led to suspicion that they have a molting cycle [1], rather than the continuous shedding of skin and fur experienced by ponies, there was to date no proof that these scales actually came from dragons and not some other creature. Recently, several creatures in and around Ponyville have had the opportunity to observe Friendship Academy Deans' assistant Spike during his molting cycle. Supplemented with information supplied by Academy dragon student Smolder, we have assembled a preliminary overview of this phenomenon in both its biological and social aspects.
II. Physical Progression
The molting cycle of an adolescent dragon (or one on the cusp of adolescence) begins with an outbreak of acne-like sores. Of course, dragons do not have acne in the sense ponies think of it, but rather damage to a scale or the loosening thereof can cause painful inflammation. Herbal creams seems as effective against this as against pony rashes. While an inconvenience, this stage poses no significant difficulties to the dragon's family and friends, whetgher they be dragons or ponies.
Over time this rash spreads until it covers much of the body. During this time it becomes progressively itchier. After time, the dragon begins burping fire uncontrollably. While this poses challenges in pony society, as dragons typically nest in caves this is not particularly troublesome.
Shortly after the onset of fire belching, the molting dragon begins to emit a distinct odor. This odor is found unpleasant by ponies and dragons alike, to the point that both may wish to keep their distance from the molter. Dragons find it particularly noxious, for reasons which must still be investigated. We shall examine this "molt effect" further in the next section.
Around the time the odor manifests, the dragon's vocal cords are affected. The root causes must still be investigated, the the effect manifests as uncontrollable and unpredictable changes in talking volume. When the volume is low, the voice sounds hoarse and their throat is sore. It is expected this is not dissimilar from the cause of a hoarse voice in horses.
In the final stages, the dragon's scales gradually fuse together and harder, restricting the dragon's movement. This spreads until the dragon is completely encased in stone. This immobile state lasts only moments. After a short delay, the stone-like covers breaks with a burst of magic and the dragon emerges with all effects of the molting gone.
In the case of a pre-adolescent dragon undergoing their first molt, then on emergence from the stone state they will usually have grown wings. In later moltings, their wings usually grow in size in proportion to their bodies through early adulthood.
In adult moltings, wings and body typically grow in proportion. Dragon growth slows as they age, but never ceases entirely. Dragons several centuries old can grow to be over fifty feet long! In contrast, dragons only a few decades old are generally smaller than ponies.
III Social and Evolutionary Implications
For dragons, the most significant part of the "molt effect" is the smell. When a dragon is undergoing a molt, they are typically forced out of the nest for the duration. When the molt cycle has completed, they are welcomed back. This smell is not, however, noxious to all creatures. Rocs (Ruhks, Rohks) and, according to Smolder, Tatzulworms and Hydras, are actually attracted to the smell. Juvenile dragons are at risk of being carried off by Rocs, or eaten by any of the three. Rocs pose a particular risk as they can attack from the sky with stealth. Tatzulworms and Hydras can be felt or seen coming from some distance away in the mountain habitats preferred by dragons.
From a pony's perspective, it may seem cruel to kick out a family member who is likely to be prey. On the other hand, were they to remain in the nest the entire nest could be at risk from Tatzulworms. From that perspective, it is understandable that a dragon family will watch over their nest-mate from a distance rather than take such a risk.
From an evolutionary perspective, there are a few possible purposes to the molt effect. On the more cynical end, it may have ensured that only the young strong enough to make it on their own survived. In this theory, the predatory attraction to the smell may have emerged far later. On the other hand, the predator attraction may have emerged before the familial repulsion, in which case it may have evolved to protect the nest.
Personally, I theorize that by spending time away from the nest, young dragons learn to appreciate their families more, and to listen to their elders who know how to survive. As well, it may act as a bonding experience for the other family members as they watch over their nest-mate from afar. This hypothesis presumes that the phenomenon emerged when dragons were already in a sapient or semi-sapient state. Supporting this hypothesis is Smolder's lack of ill-will towards her family for the experience. Spike, for his part, experienced a great deal of anxiety, but this was largely due to himself and his social groups being ignorant of the full nature of the molting cycle. In a dragon society such difficulties would not occur.
IV Conclusions
We can now confirm that dragons do undergo a molting cycle. While further observation is needed, we can already conclude that the molting cycle is a significant developmental step for juvenile dragons, both physically and societally. In this sense a dragon's first few molting cycles are not dissimilar to puberty in ponies and similar species.
Acknowledgements: We are deeply indebted to Smolder for her insights into dragon society, as well as Spike for his willingness to share his experiences soon after they happened. Zecora and Rarity's observations were also crucial.
Reference:
1 Brush Spade. Spring 853. "Scale Stones: Dragon sheddings?" Celestial Journal of Zoology. Vol 679, issue 2, pp. 235-256
Author's Note
Might have gotten a few details wrong. Let me know if I did.
If I get enough ideas I may turn this into an anthology sort of thing, with Twilight and later others putting out papers on various phenomena.
For those not familiar with academic publishing, a "letter" is a short article that serves as a way to quickly get observations public, both to spread the knowledge and to make sure you don't get 'scooped' by another group. It seemed appropriate what with the other sort of letter. :P
