Cryptozoology

From WikiSynergy

Cryptozoology is the field that specializes in studying mysterious species of creatures for which there is little or no solid biological evidence. The creatures are known as "cryptids". Cryptids come in many forms and from many environments. Some, like unicorns and dragons, are more of historical interest, while others are reportedly observed on a regular basis in modern times, such as the abominable snowman or the Loch Ness monster.

Cryptozoology also covers better documented creatures thought to be living in relatively "alien" environments, such as alligators in sewers.

Much of the effort in the field consists of trying to obtain data, or evidence, in the field in order to make further study possible. Ironically, if a cryptozoologist were fully successful in this pursuit, the creature they have documented would no longer be a cryptid, no longer a subject of cryptozoology, but simply one more creature studied by mainstream zoologists.

[edit] Nature of study

There are two broad areas of work in cyptozoology. Field work consists of attempting to collect and collate physical evidence, such as photographs, footprints, or spoor of a given creature. Theoretical work mostly addresses subjects like how a creature might be related to other life, how they remain so well hidden, and, in some case, how they or their ancestors managed to end up in their environment in the first place.

[edit] Related subjects

A related field is cryptobotany, which specializes in hypothetical plant species. Also, one could probably find some cryptomycologists if one looked hard enough, or even cryptoprotists (etc.).