A scientific excursion into folk zoology; the field, often called a pseudoscience, which seriously considers the possible existence of hidden or unknown animals not recognised in conventional zoology. Species and Speculation accessibly reviews the science of DNA samples, film and photograph analysis, hair and footprint examination. It also analyses statistics and mathematical modelling of such alleged animals as Sasquatch and the Yeti, Nessie and Champ, the Griffin and the Thunderbirds, and the possible survival of the thylacine, ivory-billed woodpecker, eastern cougar, and others. With over 400 references, Species and Speculation is among the most complete scientific reviews of folk zoology to date, with discussion of the history and future, and successes and failures of this controversial and fascinating field. The book therefore is comprehensive while offering a fresh synthesis of the literature. The book also crosses traditional divides and is highly interdisciplinary across the life sciences, is broad, methodological, and respectful. This book is idea reading for students and academics interested and studying Zoology, Palaeontology and Folklore courses.
Forewords
Chapter 1. Introduction to Folklore & Zoology Chapter 2. Primates.
Chapter 3. Big Cats.
Chapter 4. Birds.
Chapter 5. Other Terrestrial Animals.
Chapter 6. Lake ‘Monsters’.
Chapter 7. Sea ‘Serpents’.
Chapter 8. Conclusion to Folklore & Zoology.
Index
Biography
Floe Foxon is an interdisciplinary scientist with a BSc (Hons) in Physics with Astronomy from the University of Nottingham. Floe has peer-reviewed publications on a wide range of topics from the structure of the Sun and stars, the impact of e-cigarettes on public health, the use of machine learning techniques in paleontology and cryptography, and statistical approaches to the study of animals in folklore. Floe has presented research at scientific conferences internationally, has industry experience as a data scientist, and is currently pursuing an MSc in Data Science (Statistics) from the University of Leeds. Floe's research has appeared in New Scientist, Science News, and Popular Mechanics.
