A Humorous Hoax in the World of Ornithology
Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis, a fictional bird, is a testament to the power of creative imagination and the importance of fact-checking in the scientific community. This humorous hoax, created by Lester W. Sharp, a professor of botany at Cornell University, has become a fascinating example of how a clever fabrication can masquerade as a legitimate scientific discovery.
The Origins of the Hoax
The story of Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis began as a short talk presented by Lester W. Sharp and his graduate student, Cuthbert Fraser, about the most unusual bird from the Gobi Desert, which they called "woofen-poof" by the local populace. The talk was later developed into a 34-page monograph, complete with illustrated details of anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, and historical references. The monograph was printed by "The Buighleigh Press" in 1928 and was signed by an "Augustus C. Fotheringham, Sc.D. (Cantab.), F.R.G.S."
The Monograph's Peculiarities
The monograph is replete with humorous descriptions of the bird's behavior, anatomy, and physiology. For example, it is noted that the bird is "perhaps most frequently observed in a peculiar resting position — legs straight out behind with the feet on the rock, tree branch or other object, the body being supported by continuous vibration of wings." This absurd description was likely intended to be humorous, but it was taken seriously by some readers.
The Backlash
The monograph's hoaxes were eventually exposed, and the scientific community was left to wonder how such a fabrication could have been so thoroughly presented. One notable example of the backlash is a 1934 eugenics article that unwittingly quoted the monograph's description of the bird's mating habits. The article stated that a new case of naturally determined incest had been discovered, in which a bird, the Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis, hatches twins at each birth, a male and a female, and these same individuals later mate and are monogamous.
A Legacy of Humor and Caution
The Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis hoax has become a cautionary tale in the scientific community. It highlights the importance of fact-checking and the dangers of taking oneself too seriously. The hoax also demonstrates the power of humor and creativity in challenging conventional wisdom and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in scientific discourse.
A Legacy in the World of Ornithology
While Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis is not a real bird, its legacy lives on in the world of ornithology. The hoax has been referenced and cited in various scientific publications, including a 1967 review by Frank C. Whitmore in the Journal of Paleontology. This review was singled out in a tribute to Dr. Whitmore as "an example of the good doctor's breadth of knowledge, attention to detail, and mellow humor."
APIARY Connection
While there is no direct connection between Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis and the world of bee conservation, the hoax's emphasis on creative imagination and fact-checking is relevant to the Apiary mission. The importance of verifying information and being aware of the potential for misinformation is crucial in the world of science, and Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and critical thinking.
FAQ
What is Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis? Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis is a fictional bird that was created as a humorous hoax by Lester W. Sharp and his graduate student, Cuthbert Fraser.
Who created the Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis hoax? The Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis hoax was created by Lester W. Sharp, a professor of botany at Cornell University, and his graduate student, Cuthbert Fraser.
When was the Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis monograph published? The Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis monograph was published in 1928 by "The Buighleigh Press."