Cryptozoology

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Revision as of 07:23, 27 February 2012

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Cryptid Petting Zoo

Icon cryptozoology.svg
Hiding with Schrödinger's cat

Cryptozoology is the study of or belief in cryptids, or species of animals for which no extant evidence of their existence have yet been found or proven, but are believed by some to exist. 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 former cryptids are not cryptids anymore, such as the okapi, or coelecanth. There are also some believable ones which have not been found yet, such as the high-finned sperm whale. What makes the existence of these kinds of animals plausible is the fact that not every organism living on the planet has been recorded by science. Hence, many remote or poorly explored areas such as the Amazon rainforest or the deep ocean could harbor undiscovered species.

The term was coined by zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans to characterize the study of "hidden animals."[1]

Contents

Cryptozoology and science

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 because many of its practitioners rely on unscientific methods to "prove" their findings.

Examples of cryptids

Bigfoot

Bigfoot is a large hominid-like creature which allegedly inhabits the forests of the northwestern United States and British Columbia. Despite numerous claims of sightings, there have been no remains found or any kind of serious physical evidence. If Bigfoot exists, it's very good at cleaning up after itself, and identifying hikers with good cameras and avoiding them.

Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie", is probably the best-known cryptid, due in part to the locals using it to promote tourism. The aquatic beast is said to live in Loch Ness, a body of water in the Scottish Highlands. Numerous blurry photos and videos exist, but physical evidence of its existence has yet to be found.

Skunk ape

The skunk ape is a beast that supposedly resembles an orangutan, and is claimed to inhabit the southeastern United States. Its name is based on its appearance and the terrible smell it is claimed to emit. Most sightings occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. In 2000, photographs of the ape were sent anonymously to the Sarasota Sheriff's Department in Florida. In an accompanying letter, a woman claimed to have taken the photos in her backyard. She went on to describe the ape taking apples from a basket in her yard, and said that she thought it was an escaped orangutan.[2] The pictures closely resemble a chimpanzee engaged in a typical chimpanzee behaviour known as "pant-hoot", casting a lot of doubt on the claim that the pictures are of the skunk ape.[3]

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. Heuvelsmans, Bernard. "What Is Cryptozoology?" Crypto-zoology 1 (Winter 1982): 1-12.
  2. http://www.lorencoleman.com/myakka.html
  3. Even bigfootencounters.com smells a rat
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