9 Questions
What is cryptozoology?
The study of unknown, legendary, or extinct animals
What are cryptids?
Unknown animals studied by cryptozoologists
Who founded cryptozoology?
Bernard Heuvelmans and Ivan T. Sanderson
Why is cryptozoology considered a pseudoscience?
It does not follow the scientific method
What equipment do cryptozoologists often use in their search for cryptids?
Motion-sensitive cameras, night-vision equipment, and audio-recording equipment
What is the opinion of academics on cryptozoology?
It is a pseudoscience
What is the relationship between cryptozoologists and professional scientists?
Cryptozoologists often show their disdain and even hatred for professional scientists
What is the Young Earth creationism subset of cryptozoology?
A pseudoscientific belief that rejects conventional science in favor of a Biblical interpretation
Where is the zoological and cryptozoological collection and archive of Bernard Heuvelmans held?
Musée Cantonal de Zoologie in Lausanne
Study Notes
Cryptozoology: Pseudoscience Involving Folklore Creatures
- Cryptozoology is a pseudoscience that searches for and studies unknown, legendary, or extinct animals, particularly those popular in folklore, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, Yeti, the chupacabra, the Jersey Devil, or the Mokele-mbembe.
- Cryptozoologists refer to these entities as cryptids, a term coined by the subculture.
- Cryptozoology does not follow the scientific method and is considered a pseudoscience by mainstream science.
- Cryptozoology was originally founded in the 1950s by zoologists Bernard Heuvelmans and Ivan T. Sanderson.
- Cryptozoology often employs devices such as motion-sensitive cameras, night-vision equipment, and audio-recording equipment in their search for cryptids.
- Few cryptozoologists have a formal science education, and fewer still have a science background directly relevant to cryptozoology.
- A subset of cryptozoology promotes the pseudoscience of Young Earth creationism, rejecting conventional science in favor of a Biblical interpretation.
- Media outlets have often uncritically disseminated information from cryptozoologist sources, further propagating claims made by cryptozoologists.
- There is a broad consensus among academics that cryptozoology is a pseudoscience.
- Cryptozoologists often show their disdain and even hatred for professional scientists.
- The zoological and cryptozoological collection and archive of Bernard Heuvelmans is held at the Musée Cantonal de Zoologie in Lausanne.
- In 2006, the Bates College Museum of Art held the "Cryptozoology: Out of Time Place Scale" exhibition.
Test your knowledge on the controversial field of cryptozoology with our quiz! From Bigfoot to the Loch Ness Monster, learn about the pseudoscientific study of unknown, legendary, or extinct animals that are popular in folklore. Discover the truth about cryptids, the devices used in their search, and the controversial subculture surrounding this field. See how much you really know about cryptozoology and its place in mainstream science. Take our quiz now!
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free