What is the closest thing to a dragon that ever existed?

Can you elaborate on the notion of a "dragon-like" creature that may have existed in the past? Are we talking about mythical beasts that have been passed down through folklore and legends, or are there any scientific discoveries or fossil records that suggest the existence of something resembling a dragon? And if so, what characteristics of dragons, such as their size, strength, or ability to breathe fire, might these creatures have shared?