fictizoology

Fictizoology is the study of fictional animals. It is a subgenre of speculative biology that focuses on the design, biology, and ecological roles of creatures that exist only in fiction, such as those found in literature, film, video games, and mythology. This field often involves creating detailed descriptions of these beings, exploring their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolutionary history within their fictional contexts.

Practitioners of fictizoology, sometimes called fictizoologists, approach their subject with a scientific mindset, applying principles of biology and zoology to make their creations as plausible as possible within the established rules of their fictional worlds. This can involve extrapolating from existing scientific knowledge or developing entirely new biological concepts to explain unique characteristics. The goal is often to enhance the realism and depth of fictional settings and their inhabitants.

Fictizoology can be found in various forms, from detailed creature encyclopedias for fantasy novels and role-playing games to independent projects exploring hypothetical ecosystems populated by imagined fauna. It is a creative endeavor that bridges the gap between art and science, allowing for imaginative exploration of life's possibilities without the constraints of real-world evolution. The study contributes to world-building by providing a framework for understanding the non-human elements of fictional universes.