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- What is Cryptozoology?
The word cryptozoology literally means "the study of hidden animals".
It is the study of unknown creatures that might exist - not the study
of mythological creatures.
- Who invented cryptozoology?
The term cryptozoology is generally attributed to Bernard Heuvelmans
who wrote the classic book On the Track of Unknown Animals. Heuvelmans himself apparently gave credit for the term to an earlier
scientist, Ivan T. Sanderson.
- Is cryptozoology a science?
That's something of a philosophical question. In the sense of making
theories and testing them, no - but then nor is traditional zoology. In the
sense of studying the evidence, analysing and classifying facts then yes,
cryptozoology is as much a science as zoology.
- What is a "Cryptid"?
A cryptid is simply a possible creature studied by cryptozoologists. Nessie,
Bigfoot and El Chupacabra are all cryptids. So are many less weird creatures such as new
species of insect.
- What are Napes?
The term Nape was coined by cryptozoologist Loren Coleman for "North American Ape".
The most well-known Nape is Bigfoot.
- Are all cryptids monsters?
No. The large cryptids, strange monsters, etc obviously get the most media attention, however
cryptozoologists are also interested in far less glamorous cryptids such as
new species of common animals. Other cryptids are species previously considered
extinct.
- How can cryptids exist without us having found them?
To put it simply, the world is large! There's a lot of space out there,
in the oceans, jungles and plains. Many species survive specifically
because they have evolved to be good at not being found.
- Have any cryptids actually been found?
Yes, plenty. The most famous example is probably the coelacanth, thought to have
been extinct for millions of years -
until one was caught in 1938! See the found cryptids
page for more.
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