Cryptozoology

From RationalWiki
(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Cryptozoology''' is the study of or belief in [[cryptid]]s, or species of animals for which no extant examples of their existance have yet been found or proven, but are believed in by some.  Examples of such animals include [[Bigfoot]], the [[Loch Ness Monster]], [[Yeti]], etc., and sometimes mythical creatures such as [[dragon]]s or the perfect boy/girlfriend. However, some of the more believable cryptids are not crytids anymore, such as the okapi. There are also some believable ones which have not been found yet, such as the high-finned sperm whale. <!-- The le chup isn't believable, DSAFLARG or whatever your name is!-->
+
'''Cryptozoology''' is the study of or belief in [[cryptid]]s, or species of animals for which no extant examples of their existance have yet been found or proven, but are believed in by some.  Examples of such animals include [[Bigfoot]], the [[Loch Ness Monster]], [[Yeti]], etc., and sometimes mythical creatures such as [[dragon]]s or the perfect boy/girlfriend. However, some of the more believable cryptids are not crytids anymore, such as the okapi. There are also some believable ones which have not been found yet, such as le [[chupacabra]]. <!-- Multiple acounts over the years (many describing a similar appearance and behaviour) across South America versus only one man claiming to have seen 2 stranded specimens around Shetland (most whales travel all over the seas, it makes little sense that they would only be spotted in Shetland)-->
  
 
Cryptozoology is not a clearly defined academic field which, for example, can be undertaken as a degree.  As such, crytozoologists vary from highly qualified zoologists with an interest in unproven species, to amateur Bigfoot enthusiasts.  Arguably, some follow the [[scientific method]], while others clearly do not, and many are overly influenced by their belief in cryptids.  In these respects, cryptozoology is somewhat akin to [[ufology]] and various forms of [[paranormal]] research.
 
Cryptozoology is not a clearly defined academic field which, for example, can be undertaken as a degree.  As such, crytozoologists vary from highly qualified zoologists with an interest in unproven species, to amateur Bigfoot enthusiasts.  Arguably, some follow the [[scientific method]], while others clearly do not, and many are overly influenced by their belief in cryptids.  In these respects, cryptozoology is somewhat akin to [[ufology]] and various forms of [[paranormal]] research.

Revision as of 02:19, 17 February 2009

Cryptozoology is the study of or belief in cryptids, or species of animals for which no extant examples of their existance have yet been found or proven, but are believed in by some. Examples of such animals include Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Yeti, etc., and sometimes mythical creatures such as dragons or the perfect boy/girlfriend. However, some of the more believable cryptids are not crytids anymore, such as the okapi. There are also some believable ones which have not been found yet, such as le chupacabra.

Cryptozoology is not a clearly defined academic field which, for example, can be undertaken as a degree. As such, crytozoologists vary from highly qualified zoologists with an interest in unproven species, to amateur Bigfoot enthusiasts. Arguably, some follow the scientific method, while others clearly do not, and many are overly influenced by their belief in cryptids. In these respects, cryptozoology is somewhat akin to ufology and various forms of paranormal research.

In recent years there has been some debate among the scientific community as to whether cryptozoology should be given greater recognition and be made the subject of deeper research, although consensus still tends to regard it as a pseudoscience.

In the Canadian science fiction TV show Sanctuary, a scholor known as Helen Carter finds and protects cryptids.

Personal tools
Namespaces

Variants
Actions
Navigation
Community
Tools
support