I feel like we say this a lot on this blog, but we really don’t cover a lot of science-y things. So while my understanding of science is limited, I feel I know enough to write you guys a post about cryptozoology.
Cryptozoology is the study (hunt is probably the more accurate term) of animals that supposedly do not exist. They have proven the existence of certain animals and are still searching for others. However, while the name has ‘-ology’ in it, it is not accepted as a science. This is because it relies frequently on supposed sightings and anecdotes. Or blurry photos like those of the Loch Ness monster.
Many scientists have problems with cryptozoologists. They believe that cryptozoologists spend too much time looking for things that don’t exist (ex. Bigfoot) when they could be finding real new species, such as some of the potential thousands that exist in the world’s oceans (that probably aren’t as exciting because they are different kinds of amoebas).
When Europeans began arriving in Africa, they kept hearing stories of an African Unicorn. Naturally, they wanted to see it for themselves. After a long search/a wild goose chase, Europeans eventually found the African Unicorn, an okapi.
However, sometimes cryptozoologists do use science to try and prove things. A study is being undertaken by the Smithsonian to figure out whether the yeti ever existed using DNA evidence. While there have been other studies of DNA in the past, scientists believe with the recent improvements to DNA technology they can finally put the issue to rest. But the scientists in charge are adamant that they are not going to ‘become completely eccentric’ like the cryptozoologists (You can read more about the Yeti search here).
If you are interested in more information about cryptozoology, you can check out the International Cryptozoology Muesum’s website here!
Do you think that the cryptozoologists are full of it or on to something? Leave your reply in the comments!
I’ve been considering going into Cryptozoology, actually, since Demonology isn’t an option where I’m at. Unfortunately, Cryptozoology has even less job opportunities than a Demonologist. So it’s probably best if I just stick to general Cultural Anthropology with biology and religious studies on the side. That way I can still study both subjects’ origins and track the cultural factors that have affected their growth and change over time.
But in truth, most people who claim to be “Cryptozoologists” are really just putting a fancy label on being a monster hunter. Unless they have a degree, since there are legitimately people who have doctorates in the subject. Anyone can hunt monsters, getting a doctorate in a subject with absolutely no job market takes a special kind of person. *cries in a corner*
To be fair, there are a lot of degrees with no job markets right now.