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This Query is part of the Worldbuilding Resources Article.

As you all know there is a series of questions that have been asked to create fictional creatures in a realistic evolutionary way.

And below is a summarized list of all of the questions in order of post, so that a link to this meta post should be enough for future questions.

May 8, 2025: We have periodically had people try to use the language, below, to justify something the ACS was not originally intended to do: describe the evolutionary path of a creature (usually in the form of a short list of "evolutionary pressures"). That is outside the rules of the ACS. An answer to an ACS question may take one and only one form: the physiology of the creature in question as it could be in the Real World today. Requests seeking to understand how that physiology came to pass will be arbitrarily closed.

Edit

Due to a large amount of low quality question using this series' formula, user JBH has suggested adding specifications to the core idea of the series. Below are the most recent rendition of the rules as of April 27 2018. If a question has used the title Anatomically Correct and you feel it's poorly executed, please link to this post.

The Anatomically Correct (AC) series of questions are a popular tradition on Worldbuilding.SE. Their purpose is to invite site participants to consider how to describe fictional or mythological creatures from an evolutionary context with as much biological and behavioral realism as possible.

  • In keeping with the Stack's general rule of not fielding questions about 3rd party or commercial worlds, the ACS is now limited to questions about documented myths and legends of Humanity and creatures thoroughly designed (other than lacking anatomical fulfillment) for a fictional world of the OP's own creation. (Source)

It is the responsibility of the questioner to provide sufficient detail to specifically identify the creature in question.

  • Generalizations such as "Elves as commonly found in fantasy stories" or "vampires" (without further clarification) are unacceptable and grounds for closing the question as "Unclear what you're asking."

  • Links to specific examples of the creature in question are encouraged, but may not be used alone. A specific description of the creature is required or the question will again be closed as "Unclear what you're asking." An ambiguous or insufficient description may result in closure due to the question becoming "Primarily opinion-based."

  • Images of the creature are always appreciated. If possible, reduce large images to a width of 450 pixels and link the image to a larger version. As with links, images may not be used alone. A specific description is required to avoid closure.

  • Creature descriptions must include important behavioral attributes and a clear physical description. It is the questioner's responsibility to invent the creature and the privilege of participants to explain how that invention could be manifest with evolutionary believability. To coin a phrase, We're willing to help, but we will not invent the creature and summon it into this world for you.

  • This question writing guide was developed long after the first AC question was asked. While we encourage questioners to review earlier AC questions to better understand how to meet these requirements, the fact that some previously asked questions do not meet these expectations may not be used to justify a poor question.

The best answer is expected to be the one that provides the greatest detail, the greatest creativity, and the greatest capacity for suspension of disbelief.

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If you have come to comment on a recent Anatomically Correct post that needs to be added, please post that on the community answer, or I will not see it. Also, the question cannot have been closed within a week of posting because of being off-topic or a duplicate.

L.Dutch Mod
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asked Nov 27, 2015 at 17:49
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    $\begingroup$ Er...why "anatomically" correct? Aren't these just "scientifically correct"? "Anatomically" doesn't mean "evolutionarily", and "anatomically correct" typically means "including genitalia, nipples, etc." (E.g. there's a line in Batman & Robin making light of the infamous "bat-nipples" on the costumes in that movie: "an anatomically correct rubber suit puts fire in a girl's...lips.") $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 2, 2015 at 22:50
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ ...and if you haven't seen that film but have heard how terrible it is, and you've wondered if it can possibly be as bad as people say, that line should tell you all you need to know. $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 2, 2015 at 22:51
  • 5
    $\begingroup$ @KyleStrand: "anatomically correct" does usually refer to sex organs, but can also refer to any other part normally depicted in an unrealistic manner. For example, typing "anatomically correct" in Google gives me "... heart" as the fourth suggestion. ("... baby dolls" is the first suggestion, and creepy images related to that search show up as you're typing. You might not want to try this at home.) $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 15, 2016 at 6:43
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @MichaelS Good point. Even so, that still doesn't really match the intended meaning here! $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 15, 2016 at 17:39
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ That response doesn't actually make much sense. Your question indicates that what you mean is "realistic evolutionary" creatures, but that is not what "anatomically correct" means. "Anatomically correct" does not seem to mean what you think it means. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 21:02
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ @KyleStrand anatomically correct means one of two things; (1) referring to correctly sexual organs in dolls OR (2) a part of a creature correctly placed and existing. These questions use the second meaning. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 21:06
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    $\begingroup$ But you're not talking about "a part of" a creature. You're talking about the entire creature designed in such a way as to conform to all kinds of scientific principles, including but not limited too anatomy. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 21:09
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    $\begingroup$ @KyleStrand good point, but I am not going to change it, so either be angry over a slight term that doesn't matter, or accept it. Your choice, I am not arguing this anymore. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 21:49
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    $\begingroup$ I'm not angry, I'm just trying to help you use a correct term (I even suggested an obvious one, "scientifically correct") instead of a silly and incorrect one. Clearly you're not open to suggestions, which I suppose is fine. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 22:30
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ @KyleStrand it's not that I'm not open, it's that I don't want to spend hour replacing the links and titles. I am a busy guy and I don't care enough about some title to change it $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 22:32
  • 8
    $\begingroup$ Er... same difference. If you're not willing to change the phrase, then by definition you're not open to change suggestions. But I thought you were not going to argue the point any more? In any case, if the time required to make the change is the only thing holding you back from doing so, you could ask for help. Suggested edits to your question & answer here on meta aren't permitted, though, so you'd have to change these yourself. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 22:39
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    $\begingroup$ why not just tag them as anatomically-correct? It's the sort of thing that seems to come up enough--to a lurker like me--that it wouldn't be crazy to have a tag for it. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 23:16
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    $\begingroup$ @KyleStrand Or "a creature with all its parts anatomically correct". $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 27, 2016 at 0:27
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    $\begingroup$ That whole series irks me because the anatomy of a species is directly shaped by the species itself. So for instance "Anatomically correct human" means "A human that has all their organs, limbs and other bodily structures at pretty much the same lengths, widths and proportions as humans in general". Now translate that to every other species in this series. How would we know if one particular unicorn is "anatomically correct"? By comparing him to every other unicorn and see if he matches. Right.... so where are all our other unicorns to compare with? Uhm... $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 14, 2016 at 23:33
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    $\begingroup$ @MichaelKarnerfors believe me, I am aware of the problems with the title. Keep in mind that it is just a catchy title. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 14, 2016 at 23:46

1 Answer 1

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+The questions of the series are listed below in order of oldest to newest.

  1. Anatomically Correct Griffin asked by TrEs-2b

  2. Anatomically Correct Angels asked by TrEs-2b

  3. Anatomically Correct Nuckelavee asked by TrEs-2b

  4. Anatomically Correct God asked by TrEs-2b

  5. Anatomically Correct Werewolves asked by TrEs-2b

  6. Anatomically Correct Pheonix asked by TrEs-2b

  7. Anatomically Correct Cyclops asked by TrEs-2b

  8. Anatomically Correct 4-Legged Sapient Creatures asked by Crissov

  9. Anatomically Correct Golem asked by TrEs-2b

  10. Anatomically Correct Hecatoncheires asked by TrEs-2b

  11. Anatomically Correct Elemental Asked by Andyd273

  12. Anatomically Correct Nanaue asked by TrEs-2b

  13. Anatomically Correct Medusa asked by TrEs-2b

  14. Anatomically Correct Hippocampus Asked by Hanko Tanks

  15. Anatomically Correct Bio-fabricators Asked by Donald hobson

  16. Anatomically Correct Harpy Asked by Caleb Woodman

  17. Anatomically Correct Jackalope asked by TrEs-2b

  18. Anatomically Correct Xenomorph asked by TrEs-2b

  19. Anatomically Correct Hydra asked by TrEs-2b

  20. Anatomically Correct Naga Asked by Jackwise

  21. Anatomically Correct Unicorn asked by TrEs-2b

  22. Anatomically Correct King Kong asked by TrEs-2b

  23. Anatomically Correct Khajiit asked by TrEs-2b

  24. Anatomically Correct Gnolls asked by Shalvenay

  25. Anatomically Correct Pixie asked by Renan

  26. Anatomically Correct Argonian asked by fi12

  27. Anatomically Correct Sleipnir asked by Ghanima

  28. Anatomically Correct Graboid asked by Renan

  29. Anatomically Correct Tomte asked by Grollo

  30. Anatomically Correct Boar Troll asked by cobaltduck

  31. Anatomically Correct Cerberus asked by TrEs-2b

  32. Anatomically Correct Giant asked by LCIII

  33. Anatomically Correct Arachne asked by 渡し守シャロン

  34. Anatomically Correct Murloc asked by Sky

  35. Anatomically Correct Ent asked by 渡し守シャロン

  36. Anatomically Correct Den Den Mushi asked by Masclins

  37. Anatomically Correct Spriggan asked by TrEs-2b

  38. Anatomically Correct Minotaur asked by TrEs-2b

  39. Anatomically Correct Pegasus asked by Yacomini

  40. Anatomically Correct Slenderman asked by TrEs-2b

  41. Anatomically Correct Creeper asked by T3 H40

  42. Anatomically Correct Mokèlé-mbèmbé asked by TrEs-2b

  43. Anatomically Correct Slimes asked by TrEs-2b

  44. Anatomically Correct Multi-armed Humanoids asked by MarqFJA87

  45. Anatomically Correct Huddle asked by TrEs-2b

  46. Anatomically Correct Nachtkrapp asked by Secespitus

  47. Anatomically Correct Scylla asked by Lot-Of-Malarkey

  48. Anatomically Correct Chimera asked by Lot-Of-Malarkey

  49. Anatomically Correct Ponies asked by gaazkam

  50. Anatomically Correct Ahuizotl asked by cowrie

  51. Anatomically Correct Typhon asked by The Great Duck

  52. Anatomically Correct Chocobo asked by Jakob Lovern

  53. Anatomically Correct Kappa asked by Dabantam

  54. Anatomically Correct Satyrs asked by Dabantam

  55. Anatomically Correct Vampires asked by Dabantam

  56. Anatomically Correct Akaname asked by Dabantam

  57. Anatomically Correct Trolls asked by Dabantam

  58. Anatomically Correct Ghouls asked by Dabantam

  59. Anatomically Correct Penanggalan asked by Dabantam

  60. Anatomically Correct Zerg Overlord asked by Renan

  61. Anatomically Correct Oni asked by TGCF

  62. Anatomically Correct Mandrake asked by TGCF

  63. Anatomically Correct Siren asked by incognito

  64. Anatomically Correct Zombie asked by Magus

  65. Anatomically Correct Hypnotoad asked by Pavel Janicek

  66. Anatomically Correct "XKCDius lethalissimus" asked by L.Dutch

  67. Anatomically Correct Sharknado Shark asked by Renan

  68. Anatomically Correct metalhead, part 1 - headbanging asked by Renan

  69. Anatomically Correct Sea Boar asked by L.Dutch

  70. Anatomically Correct metalhead, part 2 - physiology asked by Renan

  71. Anatomically Correct Panotti asked by L.Dutch

  72. Anatomically Correct Space Plankton asked by kingledion

  73. Anatomically correct Pushmi-pullu from Dr. Dolittle asked by chasly from UK

  74. Anatomically Correct Strange Women In Ponds Distributing Swords asked by nullpointer

  75. Anatomically Correct Pikachu asked by tox123

  76. Anatomically Correct Mesopelagic Aves asked by A Lambent Eye

  77. Anatomically Correct Vampire Teeth; Location, location, location asked by Artsoccer

  78. Anatomically Correct Huldra asked by Pleiades

  79. Anatomically Correct Carnivorous Tree asked by A Lambent Eye

  80. Anatomically Correct Pinocchio asked by A Lambent Eye

  81. Anatomically Correct Swarm of Rodents asked by Liam Morris

  82. Anatomically Correct Stranger Things Mindflayer's Monster asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  83. Anatomically Correct Monsters, Incorporated asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  84. Anatomically Correct Hunter from Needle asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  85. Anatomically Correct Slinky Worm asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  86. Anatomically Modular Body Plan Animals asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  87. Anatomically Correct Whomping Willow asked by Renan

  88. Anatomically Correct Dreel asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  89. Anatomically Correct Diegetic Singing Princess asked by Renan

  90. Anatomically Correct Dancing Brooms asked by overlord

  91. Anatomically Correct Color-Adjustable Eye asked by overlord

  92. Anatomically Correct Propellers asked by overlord

  93. Anatomically Correct Ettin asked by Richard Lindahl

  94. Anatomically Correct Jaculus asked by Blueblood

  95. Anatomically Correct Diggy Diggy Dwarfs asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  96. Anatomically Correct Succubus asked by Seraph Myrmidon

  97. Anatomically Correct Triskelion asked by elemtilas

  98. Anatomically Correct Sonic asked by icewar1908

  99. Anatomically Correct Yoshi asked by icewar1908

  100. Anatomically Correct Gigantes asked by Richard Lindahl

  101. Anatomically Correct Sphinx asked by icewar1908

  102. Anatomically Correct Catgirls asked by icewar1908

  103. Anatomically Correct Leviathan (Intelligent Design) asked by SE is too politically correct]

  104. Anatomically Correct Grootslang asked by icewar1908

  105. Anatomically Correct Kitsune asked by icewar1908

  106. Anatomically Correct Loch Ness Monster asked by icewar1908

  107. Anatomically Correct Manticore asked by icewar1908

  108. Anatomically Correct Frieza asked by Pierre

  109. Anatomically Correct Ammit asked by icewar1908

  110. Anatomically Correct Yara Ma Yha Who asked by icewar1908

  111. Anatomically Correct Cockatrice asked by RotNDecay

  112. Anatomically Correct Vanara asked by TGCF

  113. Anatomically Correct Kemonomimis asked by Mindwin

  114. Anatomically Correct Isitoq asked by SealBoi

  115. Anatomically Correct Asari asked by Preg-Fan

  116. Anatomically Correct Shrek asked by icewar1908

  117. Anatomically Correct Super-Intelligent Shade of Blue asked by KeizerHarm

  118. Anatomically correct bulborb asked by Dabantam

  119. Anatomically Correct Snallygaster asked by Dabantam

  120. Anatomically Correct Giant Seahorses asked by Richard Lindahl

  121. Anatomically Correct Glebsig asked by Galactic

  122. Anatomically Correct Sentient Skeletons asked by icewar1908

  123. Anatomically Correct Night Land Monsters asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  124. Anatomically Correct Moonstrider asked by JohnWDailey

  125. Anatomically Correct Rull asked by Logan R. Kearsley

  126. Anatomically Correct Mummy asked by SquidKid999

  127. Anatomically Correct Elves asked by ITM_Coder

  128. Anatomically Correct Asian Dragons asked by ITM_Coder

  129. Anatomically Correct Seas Serpents asked by ITM Coder

  130. Anatomically Correct Yeti asked by Rhymehouse

  131. Anatomically Correct Winged Scarab asked by Ichthys King

  132. Anatomically Correct Buraq asked by Ichthys King

  133. Anatomically Correct Mummy asked by SquidKid999

  134. Anatomically Correct Mi-Go asked by Vogon Poet

  135. Anatomically Correct Golden Turtle asked by Tortelina

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    $\begingroup$ Have centaurs been made? $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 8, 2015 at 22:37
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    $\begingroup$ Does Anatomically Correct Weebles count? $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 4, 2016 at 18:10
  • $\begingroup$ @DamianYerrick if the title was edited, yeah $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 4, 2016 at 18:19
  • $\begingroup$ These are not in order of newest to oldest; they are in order of oldest to newest, except for the first six, which are scrambled (the correct order is 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, 6). You don't need to follow all the links; just remember that question numbers are assigned sequentially, so sorting by question number is equivalent to sorting chronologically. Also, #8 is a link to an answer. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 28, 2016 at 20:56
  • $\begingroup$ Can we alphabetize this list so it's easier to use as a reference? $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 22, 2016 at 17:53
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    $\begingroup$ @Nolo no, not because I don't want to (I don't) but also because that would mean complete re-editing every time a new one is asked and order of asking is good enough $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 22, 2016 at 17:57
  • $\begingroup$ @TrEs-2b Are you sure? :D I made a little program to make it easy if you change your mind. khanacademy.org/computer-programming/…. :) $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 22, 2016 at 18:27
  • $\begingroup$ @Nolo That link is good, I might do it when I get the time. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 22, 2016 at 18:34
  • $\begingroup$ I'll make it friendlier so you can just paste and push the button. I put that link up here when I get home. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 23, 2016 at 0:49
  • $\begingroup$ I kindof like having it in historical order. Maybe a second answer, alphabetized? It'd mean updating two answers each time, but it's not like that's a very frequent occurrence, and this metaquestion will already be being bumped. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 23, 2016 at 2:31
  • $\begingroup$ @Bobson sounds like a good idea! I have to go offline for a while, but if you or Nolo want to do it, sounds great! $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 23, 2016 at 2:57
  • $\begingroup$ @Bobson Done and done. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 23, 2016 at 5:59
  • $\begingroup$ @TrEs-2b Just for your own info, see my new answer below. Only I can edit the current program, i.e. keep it's record of the entries up to date, but anyone else can make a spin-off and have their own version if I drop off the face for any reason. Numbering can be pasted or ignored (it is cleaned from the entry text anyway when sorting). The answer does not disturb the linkages/enumeration in the original answer and the program also leaves those intact. So three step update, paste the links below, paste the entries to the program, sort, paste the list over the one below. $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 23, 2016 at 6:07
  • $\begingroup$ How do new entries get added? Because I made Anatomically correct mutliarmed humanoids just the other day. $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 17, 2017 at 12:45
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Please just delete this entire series of close it $\endgroup$ Commented May 30, 2020 at 16:13

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