About the Loch Ness Monster
A mysterious creature is believed to inhabit Scotland's Loch Ness. Does this elusive sea serpent really exist, or is it the product of overactive imaginations?
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History
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There have been numerous sightings of a strange animal that lives in Loch Ness. No one knows for certain how far back the sightings of this animal date, but the earliest report dates back to 565 A.D., when Saint Columba commanded a similar creature to retreat during an attack. It is debatable whether this report actually refers to the Loch Ness monster, since there were several tales about the Saint's encounters with various monsters. There are also no other accounts of the Loch Ness monster attacking anyone. In fact, modern sightings seem to indicate that the animal is rather shy. In modern times, the creature garnered new-found attention due to sightings in the early 1930s, and sightings have increased throughout the years.
Features
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Although there has been no physical evidence of the creature, affectionately called Nessie, there have been descriptions given by those who have sighted the animal. In August 1933, a man named Arthur Grant claimed to have almost hit the animal while riding his motorcycle. As the creature crossed the road and went back into the loch he noticed that it had two short forelegs or flippers. The most common description given of Nessie is that the creature has a large body with a long, narrow neck and small head. The head is sometimes described as having horns or horn-like protrusions. The creature is believed to be 40 to 50 feet in length. It is often described as having one or two humps on the back. It is also said that the animal appears to have skin similar to an elephant.
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Significance
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Although there have been several photographs and videos taken of Nessie, they remain inconclusive. Some have been hoaxes. Most often the evidence appears to be a log, tree branch or some other object mistaken for the creature. The most famous photograph of the Loch Ness monster was called the Surgeon's Photograph because it was supposedly taken by a physician from London. The photo showed what appeared to be the head and neck of a creature above the surface of the water. After causing quite a stir, the photo was deemed to be a hoax in 1994.
Considerations
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The numerous sightings at Loch Ness certainly indicate that people are seeing some sort of unusual animal in the loch. Although a few sightings may be explained away as logs, tree branches or some other inanimate object, others are not so easy to dismiss. There are several theories about what type of animal the Loch Ness monster may be. The most common theory is that Nessie may be a creature that was thought to be long extinct. The description most often given resembles that of a plesiosaur. The plesiosaur was an aquatic reptile that existed during the Jurassic period and became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period. Is it possible that an animal believed to be extinct for millions of years survived and still exists? In the 1970s, underwater photos taken by a team led by Robert H. Rhines showed vague images of an animal that did indeed resemble a plesiosaur.
Expert Insight
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It is possible that the creature known as Nessie could be a previously undiscovered species. Regardless of the type of animal it is, the creature is definitely making waves in the loch. In 1969, a researcher named Andrew Carroll conducted a sonar study. A strong echo was detected. It was calculated that the creature was at least 20 feet long. The animal uses echolocation the same as dolphins and toothed whales. In 2001, an expedition was conducted by the Global Underwater Search Team (GUST) using advanced sonar equipment. Once again, sonar contact was made.
Theories/Speculation
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Scientists are more willing to accept the belief that Nessie may be an undiscovered species rather than a species believed extinct. The possibility should not be ruled out however, as other species such as the coelacanth believed to be extinct were later found to exist. In 1977, a Japanese fishing trawler discovered a carcass off New Zealand that resembled a plesiosaur. It supposedly had a long neck and flippers. At the time it was believed that a plesiosaur had been discovered but scientists declared the carcass to be the remains of a basking shark. Some believe that Nessie is no more than an eel, seal or large sturgeon that lives in the loch. The most far-fetched speculation regarding the Loch Ness monster is that it may be a creature of a supernatural nature. No one knows with any certainty what Nessie is but it is certain that the belief in the Loch Ness monster remains strong. After all, there are plenty of people who have seen a glimpse of the most famous and mysterious resident of Loch Ness.
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