The Loch Ness Monster a Good subject for a Quiz Question

We hear that in a recent Radio Four quiz programme broadcast by the BBC there was a question about the famous Loch Ness Monster, or should we use Nessie’s proper scientific name – N. rhombopteryx.  It is always a pleasure to hear that this elusive creature can still attract media interest.

The quiz master asked the contestants to link the following incidents together:

“The Surgeon’s” 1934, “Dinsdale” 1960 and the “Rines study” in 1972.  These are all linked to sightings, film or other evidence of the existence of the Loch Ness Monster.

Loch Ness Monster

Naturally, although there have been a number of sightings, pictures and perhaps most intriguing of all, sonar echoes, we don’t believe in Nessie as a member of the Plesiosauria.

A Plesiosaur Fossil Skeleton on Display

The long-necked plesiosaur fossil specimen on display at a museum.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

After all, the scientific name Nessitera rhombopteryx announced by British naturalist in 1975 (the name means “The Ness monster with diamond-shaped fins”) was pointed out to be an anagram for “monster hoax by Sir Peter S”.

For models of plesiosaurs and other marine reptiles: Sea Monsters and Other Prehistoric Animals.