5 fictional animals that turned out to be real: from myth to science
Biology is still a young science, and every year dozens, if not hundreds, of new species of living things are discovered on Earth. As before, some hoaxers and just lovers of cheap fame often announce that they managed to find a new fantastic animal, still unknown to the world. However, history also knows the opposite examples: often animals that lead a secretive lifestyle and have bright and unusual facial features are considered fictitious - until some daredevil provides conclusive evidence of their existence.
It is not surprising that in the past the existence of platypuses was considered fiction. This animal, on the one hand, looks like a beaver, on the other - like an overgrown duck. Not only did such a cross between a beast and a bird refute all ideas about the Australian fauna in the past, but the very real carcasses of animals were recognized as nothing more than an effigy made by a deft taxidermist using parts of various animals, threads and a sewing needle.
