Darwin's Dragons - Session 5 - Reading Comprehension answers

In Session 5 of 'Darwin's Dragons', Covington follows Farthing to a fumarole for fresh water. He shivers recalling Darwin's dead specimens, valuing the beauty of living creatures. Farthing's scales are likened to 'overlapping fingernails', indicating they are small and smooth. Covington is terrified upon sighting the 'beast's' silhouette, but chooses to trust Farthing for survival. He assures himself he's not dreaming of dragons as it's daytime and he's well-rested. The phrase 'the earth swallowed me' implies Covington vanishes into a deep hole.

The chapter explores Covington's mix of fear and fascination with the natural world, and his reliance on Farthing. The language used creates a vivid image of the creatures and environment, while the narrative builds tension and curiosity about the mythical 'beast', eventually revealed to be a dragon. The session delves into themes of trust, survival, and the thin line between reality and dreams in the context of discovery and exploration.