Question

The field of cryptozoology is the search for animals unknown to science and those for which we have no scientific attestation; (i) _____ physical evidence, it relies upon (ii) ______ sightings for proof of creatures such as the Loch Ness Monster. $$\begin{array}{|l|l|}\hline A \text { ignoring } & \text { D anecdotal } \\\\\hline \text { B lacking } & \text { E imagined } \\\\\hline \text { C needing } & \text { F nominal } \\\\\hline\end{array}$$

Short answer

'Lacking' for (i) and 'anecdotal' for (ii)

Step-by-step solution

Understand the sentence context

The sentence speaks about cryptozoology, which is the search for animals unknown to science. The given definitions help us conclude that it relies on sightings for proof of creatures like the Loch Ness Monster.

Find suitable words for (i)

The blank (i) precedes 'physical evidence'. Thus, it should indicate the lack or absence of physical evidence. The word options provided are: ignoring, lacking, and needing. 'Lacking' fits best as it means absence.

Find suitable words for (ii)

The blank (ii) precedes 'sightings'. The sentence implies that cryptozoology relies on sightings rather than physical evidence. The word options given are: anecdotal, imagined, and nominal. 'Anecdotal' works best as it refers to evidence based on personal accounts rather than hard facts.

Combine the chosen words into the sentence

By inserting the chosen words into the sentence, it becomes: 'The field of cryptozoology is the search for animals unknown to science and those for which we have no scientific attestation; (i) lacking physical evidence, it relies upon (ii) anecdotal sightings for proof of creatures such as the Loch Ness Monster.'

Key concepts

scientific attestation

Scientific attestation refers to proof or confirmation provided by recognized scientific methods and studies. In cryptozoology, scientific attestation is often absent for many creatures in question. This means that mainstream science has not verified their existence.
Researchers typically rely on several key factors for scientific attestation:

• Peer-reviewed studies: Research published following rigorous review.
• Repeats of experiments: Verifiable results by independent researchers.
• Objective evidence: Data that can be tested and validated.

Without such measures, the existence of cryptids like Bigfoot or the Yeti remains unproven in the scientific community.

physical evidence

Physical evidence includes tangible proof such as bones, hair, or body parts that can be analyzed to verify the existence of an animal. Cryptozoology often lacks this type of evidence, which is a major reason many creatures it studies remain unverified by science.
For an animal to be scientifically accepted, physical evidence generally needs to:

• Be found and examined by credible sources.
• Undergo detailed analysis and comparison with known species.
• Provide strong anatomical or genetic proof of its species identity.

However, physical evidence of many cryptids, like the Loch Ness Monster or Chupacabra, has never been conclusively produced, leaving their existence as mere speculation.

anecdotal sightings

Anecdotal sightings are accounts based on personal experiences, stories, or rumors rather than physical proof. Cryptozoologists heavily rely on these to support their investigations. Despite lacking solid evidence, anecdotal sightings play a crucial role:

• They help identify patterns: Recurring reports can highlight areas for further research.
• They offer initial leads: Prior to any scientific study, anecdotal evidence can suggest the presence of unknown creatures.
• They encourage public interest: Excitement and curiosity can fund and fuel scientific inquiry.

While anecdotal sightings are interesting and valuable, they are often considered unreliable by mainstream scientists as they cannot be confirmed independently.