Alright, how about this as a source of the mermaid legend?

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In summary, the source of the mermaid legend is often attributed to the dugong, as its physical features and nurturing behavior resemble those of a woman. The recent news report of a girl with sirenomelia, a condition that causes the legs to fuse together, also sparked interest in the mermaid myth. However, there is no evidence to suggest that mermaids can grow huge, and it is likely that the myth was influenced by sailors' isolation from women and heavy drinking habits.
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The most accepted origin of the mith of mermaids is the dugong. The female has two tits located in the same position of a woman breasts and sometimes takes the calf between the fore fins to feed it.
 
  • #3
SGT said:
The female has two tits located in the same position of a woman breasts

Can they grow huge?
 
  • #4
radou said:
Can they grow huge?

No
Because both mother and calf need to come up for air regularly, the mother occasionally rears out of the water, holding the still-suckling calf with her flipper so it can breathe. It is easy to imagine that such a tender scene may have contributed to the mermaid myth.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/scribblygum/august2004/default.htm
 
  • #5
"may have contributed to the mermaid myth"
Throw in old time sailor's isolation from women and prodigious consumption of grog.
 

What is the source of the mermaid legend?

The source of the mermaid legend is a combination of various mythologies, folklore, and historical accounts. Many cultures have their own versions of mermaid-like creatures, such as the Greek sirens and the African Mami Wata. The concept of half-human, half-fish beings can also be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Assyrians.

Is there any scientific evidence for the existence of mermaids?

No, there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of mermaids. The physical characteristics and abilities attributed to mermaids, such as having a fish tail and the ability to breathe underwater, are not biologically possible for humans. Additionally, there have been no documented sightings or encounters with mermaids that can be scientifically verified.

Could mermaids have evolved from a different species?

It is highly unlikely that mermaids could have evolved from a different species. Evolution is a gradual process that occurs over millions of years and is driven by natural selection and adaptation to specific environments. There is no evidence to suggest that a half-human, half-fish species could have evolved in any known ecosystem.

Are there any real-life examples of mermaids?

No, there are no known examples of real-life mermaids. The closest living relatives to humans are primates, and there are no aquatic species that possess human-like features. Some people have claimed to have seen mermaids, but these sightings can often be explained by misidentified animals or hoaxes.

What are some possible explanations for the existence of the mermaid legend?

There are several possible explanations for the mermaid legend, including misinterpreted animal sightings, exaggerated stories from sailors, and a desire to explain the unknown mysteries of the ocean. The mystical and alluring nature of mermaids has also captured the human imagination and has been a popular subject in literature and media for centuries.

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