Could there have been real dragons in real life?

While no evidence supports the existence of dragons as depicted in mythology—large, fire-breathing reptiles—some scientists suggest that the idea may have been inspired by real animals, such as large reptiles or dinosaurs. Fossils of large creatures, combined with the human tendency to exaggerate and mythologize, could have contributed to dragon legends. Additionally, some cultures may have interpreted large birds or monitor lizards as dragon-like creatures. Thus, while real dragons did not exist, their legends may have roots in real-life inspirations.