Who proved mermaids are fake?

The idea that mermaids are fake has been supported by various scientific investigations and discoveries over the centuries, rather than a single individual proving their non-existence. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many so-called mermaid specimens were revealed to be hoaxes, often crafted from animal parts. Additionally, advances in Biology and marine science have demonstrated that no such creatures exist in reality. Ultimately, the combination of scientific evidence and critical examination of folklore led to the consensus that mermaids are mythical.