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Myths, Manatees, and Mermaids in the Age of Exploration
Here s an example of how folklore, myth, and legend can sometimes slow scientific understanding.
Claim
Evidence exists that some early seafarers and colonial explorers may have mistaken manatees for the mythical half-fish, half-human creatures known as mermaids.
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Origin
In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. And in 1493, the Italian explorer spotted what he believed to be mermaids.
While sailing to what would be eventually known as the New World, Columbus reportedly discovered what he thought were “mermaids” almost certainly manatees while off the coast of Africa and again while sailing near the Dominican Republic. According to historical records documented by the Biodiversity Heritage Library, Columbus described them as “not as beautiful as they are painted, since in some ways they have a face like a man.”  ....

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