As an introduction to this bit of research, let me present a short quote from the cult cartoon show Futurama (episode [2ACV12] “The Deep South“) in which one of the characters, Fry, tries to engage in “maritals” with a mutant mermaid:

“Umbriel: What the hell is that?
Fry: Yeah I’m a little confused too. How do I… y’now…with the tail and all.
Umbriel: I’m not your first am I? I mean, I lay my eggs and leave and you release your fertiliser.
[Scene: Outside Colonel’s House. Fry runs away from the house at top speed.]
Fry (gasping): Why couldn’t she be the other type of mermaid, with the fish part on top and the lady part on the bottom?”

This is a really interesting look at the evolution of the Starbucks Logo. I had no idea...