Perhaps you're hunting for something like this ...
Assuming source creatures listed in A2 down
In B2: =IF(A2="","",IF(COUNTIF(CreatureList,A2),"Mammals" ,"Fish"))
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Max
Singapore
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"MZ" wrote:
Column A has a long list of items that I use in a drop-down list that I named
"CreatureList"
How can use the "If" function and/or other functions to test for two or more
arguments without having to insert the names of the individual items in the
list into the arguments of the formula?

Example:

Column A drop down list, entitled "CreatureList"

Cats
Dogs
Horses
Sharks
etc.

Describing the function:
If any of the 20 animals from the Creature list, then insert "Mammals"; if
any other creature from the list, then insert "Fish"