Essay: De Mutatio Pokemonis

[Vhazhiphor]

Dumb title, I know. Also, yes, I'm new... I'm just not really good with intro posts, so I decided I'd sorta skip that... Sorry.

Anyways, for quite some time now I've had these ideas rolling around in my head, so I figured I'd write them out and here we are.

DE MUTATIO POKÉMONIS
"On the Transformation of Pokémon"
Observations on Pokémon Evolution
by Vhazhiphor

INTRODUCTION​

_______Why do Pokémon evolve? Are unevolved Pokémon "incomplete"? On the other hand, are Pokémon that do not evolve, already "complete"? These and many more questions I have heard throughout my years as a trainer. Also throughout my years as a trainer I have made many observations, and drawn several conclusions. These conclusions and ideas that I've gathered are to be presented within this essay, none of which I claim to be undeniable fact.

_______As a (rather unnecessary) note, I will be treating the word "evolution" as it is commonly used when in reference to Pokémon, although a much more adecquate term would be "metamorphosis". I do this solely for the convenience of the reader; since it is also my belief that Pokémon have undergone, and continue to undergo evolutive processes, much as other, regular animals do.

_______During the course of this paper, I intend to explore the reasons behind Pokémon evolution; both the reasons it occurs, the purpose it fulfills, the reasons behind the triggers of evolution and a few other concepts. Hopefully this will shed some insight into the fascinating phenomenon which is Pokémon evolution, and help others delve deeper into the mysteries of the Pokémon world.

SECTION I
ON WHY POKÉMON EVOLVE​

_______Many trainers believe they can answer the reason "why" Pokémon evolve, but they can only list the trigger for it's evolution. Be it gaining levels, exposure to radiation, or the so-called "happiness" evolution, these are not the causes, in and of themselves, of evolution; they are simply, as I have stated, triggers. If you were to pull a gun's trigger while it was not properly loaded, nothing would occur. Similarly, leveling up a Pokémon if it is not ready for evolution will do nothing.

_______Of course this begs the question why Pokémon evolve in the first place. Evolution is, first and foremost, adaptability. A Pokémon evolves to adapt. Be it to their surroundings or their lifestyle. Evolution is not an integral part of a Pokémon's life, unless the circumstances that surround the Pokémon make it so.

_______As an example: It is well known that Pidgey can evolve into Pidgeotto as soon as it reaches level 18. Yet, in the wild, we may find pidgey many times that level (some even ready to reach it's second stage, a Pidgeot), still in their basic form. This has baffled some people, as many believe that stopping a Pokémon's evolution is up to a trainer, and that in the wild, a Pokémon has nothing to stop if from evolving. This is, partly, true; however it fails to take into account that the inhibitor of evolution is also the trigger. Without a trainer, many Pokémon will not evolve, simply because they do not need to. Be it because it lives in a place without many competitors for food or shelter, or because another, stronger Pokémon acts as leader of the flock, Pidgey does not need to evolve; it does not need to adapt. It is perfectly adapted to it's way of life, and will stay that way unless it's way of life changes.

_______You may wonder why a Pokémon would see itself more in need of evolution with a trainer to care for it, than in the wild, were it is alone against the world. The reason is, in the wild, Pidgey (following our earlier example) will not often fight. Most of the time, they will kick up a cloud of sand as a smoke screen and run away. This is as far as their protection goes; they need no more. But, with a trainer, a Pidgey seldom has the chance to flee from a battle; no, the trainer commands it to fight. And the Pokémon, for whatever reason, obeys. This phenomenon (obedience) is also a peculiar one, which will no doubt be explored in one of my future essays.

_______Now; following the reasoning I've just given, one could correctly assume that Pokémon in capture evolve because of battle. More precisely, to adapt to battle. A Pokémon that evolves in this manner has done so to become stronger, and thus becomes better suited to life as a combatant. But what about Pokémon that evolve otherwise? This is also adaptation, but of a slightly different nature. To understand this nature, it is necessary to explore another detail of a Pokémon's evolution.

SECTION II
ON WHAT MAKES EVOLUTION POSSIBLE
AND RADIATION-INDUCED EVOLUTION​

_______Unfortunately, it is very much impossible at the moment to undergo true experimentation on the subject. However, one can observe certain details when raising their Pokémon, and during the evolutive process that hint at what makes these changes possible.

_______Many trainer has seen a quick shimmer of light appear as his or her Pokémon gains a level. This is very similar to the light that engulfs the entire creature at the time of it's evolution. Are they truly related? Yes, I do believe they are very related; this light is energy. As a Pokémon grows in strenght, it begins to accumulate energy within it. The most common case is with leveling up during the course of battle; after the Pokémon has stored up enough energy to change its form, it will attempt to do so; provided, of course, that circumstances provide the need for change in the first place.

_______If we are to accept this hypothesis, then the other kinds of evolution are very easliy explained; this is, evolutions triggered by more concrete external factors.

_______We have already established that a Pokémon will only evolve if it is able to and prompted to do so by it's environment. However, there are some Pokémon that will never evolve when they are leveled up in battle. Do these Pokémon not need to become stronger also? I am speaking of Pokémon such as Growlithe, or Vulpix. And no, for the most part, they do not need to adapt. These Pokémon will grow steadily more powerful in their current forms, and will not evolve if not prompted to do so by an external force (in both of these cases, a Fire Stone). This type of evolution, however, is not natural, contrary to regular, level-induced evolution.

_______While a Pokémon that may evolve during the natural course of its life has the potential to do so, and only needs the circumstance and to accumulate enough energy, Pokémon such as Vulpix or Growlithe will not evolve, regardless of how much energy they accumulate. These Pokémon, as I have already stated have achieved a sort of "perfect" adaptability, even though they do have the potential to evolve into other, more powerful forms. So, both a Vulpix and a Growlithe would evolve if exposed to radiation of a Fire Stone, whose energy will react with the Pokémon's and trigger evolution. Notice how, in both of these cases, Ninetales and Arcanine do not learn the same moves their unevolved forms do. With this unnatural evolution, they have, for the most part, lost their natural abilities. I do not intend to say that this evolution is wrong; simply that it is not part of the creature's regular life span. Considering both cases again, Ninetales was believed to bring curses upon people, and Arcanine was deemed a being of Legend. This is testimony to their rare occurence in nature, and consequently, what little was known about them; as these Pokémon would only occur in the wild if their basic forms somehow happened upon a fire stone on their own.

_______It is not limited to these instances; Raichu will lose many of the agile attributes a Pikachu has, and Clefable will also cease to learn new techniques once it has evolved. There are few exceptions; the most notable being the ever-adaptable Eevee. This Pokémon, however has a very volatile and unstable genetic make-up. As such, it has been proven to evolve in a myriad ways, depending on, of course, external factors. In this case, the Pokémon will not lose its abilities, they will simply change. Eevee is, perhaps, the epitome of adaptability, and in all honesty, the main inspiration behind these thoughts and essay.

_______This, of course, brings up another question. Why do these creatures only react to a certain stone? In some cases, the response is rather clear. When regarding a Growlithe, or a Pikachu, it is obvious that the type of energy radiating from the stone is in sync with the type of energy present innately in that Pokémon. But as for Clefairy? Are we to believe that they truly come from the moon, and moon stones do as well? Do Nidoran come from the moon, also?

_______Again, a definitive answer cannot be given. The most educated guess, however, woud be that Clefairy either do come from the moon, or were a native creature of Mt. Moon long before it was called Mt. Moon. We do know that a meteor struck the mountain many years ago; ever since, Clefairy were sighted. Creatures we know evolve when exposed to moon stone radiation. One possible explanation, of course, is that Clefairy came from the moon and thus react to it's energy. This, however, would imply that all Clefairy were Clefable on the moon. We have already reached the conclusion that a stone evolution is not naturally ocurring; hence, Clefairy most likely are not from the moon. The most likely hypothesis, to my opinion, is that Clefairy and Jigglypuff share a common ancestor, but while Jigglypuff evolved out in the grasslands, Clefairy evolved within the earth, in the caverns within Mt. Moon, something similar in essense to what occured with Shellos. Nidoran are also native to this area, and very rarely occur away from the mountain, in both cases, most likely from human intervention (as escaped pets, perhaps, much like Corphish). Over time, and generations, these creatures adapted to their environment. The radiation that permeated the location changed their genetic structure to permit evolution upon exposure to more concentrated levels of "moon" energy. This is to say, they did not gain immediate strength from the moon stones, they gained the potential to further evolve because of the cosmic radiation.

_______Some may argue what this does not explain why Skitty react to Moon Stones as well, but one must not forget that Mount Moon was not the only place to be struck by cosmic stones. Meteor Falls are called so for a reason; it is not unlikely that Skitty, being native to the areas at the foot of the mountain, were exposed to this radiation in a similar fashion as with the Mt. Moon Pokémon.

_______There is another form of evolution, very closely tied to the elemental stones that for this same reason I shall cover here: some Pokémon only evolve when in certain areas. Continuing our example of Eevee, the ultimate adapter, if exposed to radiation of a moss or glacier rock (the only ones so far discovered in Eterna Forest and near Snowpoint City, respectively; both in the Sinnoh region), it will evolve into it's grass of ice forms. Similarly, the Pokémon Nosepass and Magneton react to the incredible magnetic waves of Mount Coronet and evolve at this place, as well. While these share the same trait as elemental stone triggered changes, there is a certain distinction that these seem to be more natural. Not because they occur at a certian place regardless of human input; rather, that Magnezone and Probopass do not lose their abilities as Ninetales or Raichu do, they simply change. There are a couple of explanations; the one most likely to enter your head would be that I was wrong about stone evolution being unnatural. Another is that these are isolated cases of these two species simply adapting to electromagnetism, or that electromagnetic radiation functions differently; a combination of these two is what I believe most likely. A Nosepass already has magnetism within itself; if this is amplified by the power of a certain location, it would not seem unnatural. And a Magneton has "magnet" in it's very name and body structure; it is not far fetched that these Pokémon's abilities are not altered, or inhibited, but rather amplified by exposure to this particular kind of radiation. Somewhat supporting this; while a Magneton has the potential to evolve, it will not react with a thunderstone. Therefore, it is my conclusion that Nosepass and Magneton are already inherently magnetic, and thus, the magnetic radiation comes to them naturally in the sense of the "moon Clefairy" theory: As I've explained, if moon radiation was truly inherent to Clefairy, they would not lose their abilities when changed by it. In a similar, yet opposite concept, since these two have the radiation inherently, the change is not unnatural to them.

SECTION III
ON TRADE-INDUCED EVOLUTION​

_______So far, we have established that Pokémon evolve to adapt, and this evolution is made possible, and in some cases, is triggered by, energy. One might wonder what energy could cuase a Pokémon to evolve upon being traded, and the response is the energy used in this very trade, which may also be a form of radiation itself.

_______Not a one of us has not stored at least one Pokémon, once, within a Personal Computer. They are not physically stored as beings; the Pokémon are rather transformed into energy and stored in stasis. We see evidence that they are in stasis, as the otherwise short-lived Pokémon Virus will be forever preserved within a PC box. It should not come as a surprise that Pokémon do not evolve within storage, as they very nature of the system is to keep them in complete repose, in a form of suspended animation. While I confess to not being an expert of the inner workings of the devices used to trade Pokémon, it does seem rather obvious that when trading, the Pokémon is not in a stasis. It is converted to energy so that ownership may be passed to another trainer. It is during this process that evolution is triggered; in cases such as with Machoke, or Kadabra, the energy from the conversion and procedure react with the Pokémon's own and cause it to change form. It still adapts; in this case, the adaptation (which was latent within the Pokémon already) is to it's new medium. As it is being converted to pure energy, but not while in a stasis, it's body will react, and once converted back into flesh and bone, evolution will occur.

_______A nearly identical situation involves held items. In this case, the item is also transformed into energy along with the Pokémon; in most cases, upon rematerializing, the item and Pokémon will simply return to their normal states. One must remember, however, that evolution only possible if the Pokémon has the potential for change. Just as a Pidgey, even when prompted to do so by its circumstances, cannot evolve if it is only level 17, a Pokémon whose genetic makeup cannot react to a certain item will not evolve, even if exposed to the item in energetic form. A Scyther, however, does have the potential to fuse with a Metal Coat. If you apply the metal coat to a Scyther, and trade it, the energy unleashed will case the metal to fuse with the Pokémon, and this reaction will trigger the evolutive change. The Pokémon is merely adapting to its environmnt once more. Another example we can see is Clamperl, who can react to two different items and become either Gorebyss or Huntail; both truly nothing but different facets of the same Pokémon, as can be seen by examining it's anatomical structure and the similar abilities of both Pokémon. Yet another example, much more understandable, is that of the artificial lifeform Porygon, a sentient program that can upgrade itself if traded (converted to energy) holding the correct software.

_______As a side note, many of you may comment on how a Pidgeotto (for example) can be found, if on rare occasion, at a very low level. Naturally, I have a hypothesis regarding this phenomenon, as well; it cannot be proven, at least not at the moment, but I will present it, nonetheless. As we all know, a Pokémon will gain strength and energy through its life, as it gains levels, perhaps (and in some cases, such as for pack dominance) fighting, even in the the wild. We know also that trained Pokémon are either held by their owners in their pokeballs (a minor form of stasis than that of a PC box) or in the box as static energy. In both cases, the creature can be said to be simply resting; yet, the very presence of a trainer is an indicator that the Pokémon does see action, and it will usually recieve practice, be it in battles, or through other activities. A Pokémon in the wild, however, may not. If a Spearow evolves into a Fearow out of necessity, and once established as the dominant male, does not find opposition (or finds very little), it will not see battle, and will likely live a calm life, as it did before it's evolution. It is my belief, that in these situations, the Pokémon's growth will see some degree of atrophy, much like someone who does much exercise, who can later cease to perform heavy physical activity, and will steadily lose his physical condition. If this can be either proven or disproven by observation, I invite anyone willing to do so. This would be yet another mystery of the world of Pokémon to be solved.

SECTION IV
ON EVOLUTION TRIGGERED
ACCORDING TO TIME​

_______This particular form of evolution ties in with two others, held items, such as with trades, and happiness, which will be discussed in greater detail in the following section. Why does a Pokémon evolve when at a certain time?

_______So far, there are only three Pokémon (to my knowledge) that will evolve during a specific time of day: Sneasel, Gligar, and the ever-adaptable Eevee. It is possible that another has slipped my mind at the time, but these shall suffice.

_______Both Sneasel and Gligar evolve during the nighttime. While this would lead us to believe that they are nocturnal, that is not the case. Both Pokémon can be found in the wild during the day. So what causes these to evolve when at night, and not only that, but they must be in possesion of either a special Claw or Fang to do so. Again, the issue here is adaptability, and the latent potential for evolution. There is also a possibility that radiation plays a minor part in this type of evolution.

_______Repeating; we have established that a held item will only react to a Pokémon if exposed to an appropriate source of energy, such as during a trade, being converted to energy itself. We have also established that Pokémon store energy upon gaining levels, which is reflected in the light blue shimmer of light they emmanate.

_______And once again, adapting is what triggers the evolutive process. Although what precisely they adapt to, is not quite clear. The hypothesis that rings soundest so far is that the radiation from the moon, coupled with the energy released upon evolution cause the Pokémon's structure to react with the item they are holding and adapt to the item and the environment. While a Gliscor will become nocturnal in it's behaviour, a Weavile will not be exclusively nocturnal itself, though. It is, however, very likely that radiation from the moon's rays is what helps trigger the mutation, considering that the other Pokémon that evolves depending on time is non other than Eevee.

_______As for Umbreon and Espeon, Eevee's evolutions, they will also adapt either to night or day, but only when they are emotionally attached to their trainer. I believe the difference between the two forms stems from a similar source as with the previous two Pokémon we examined. As for why they evolve when they're happy...

SECTION V
ON THE EFFECTS OF EMOTIONS IN
THE EVOLUTIVE PROCESS​

_______"Happiness" evolution can be seen as one of most mysterious of evolutive happenings that we know today. How could emotions have any influence in whether the Pokémon has sufficient energy or not ro evolve? Again, the best we can come up with are hypothesis, yet these turn the matter into a rather simple one. And, as we have already stated, it is not the trigger that determines whether the Pokémon can evolve, but rather the potential. Is the Pokémon ready for evolution? The trigger will work if it is. Happiness is a trigger, not the energy.

_______There have been reported evolutions of Pokémon even when happiness isn't usually the trigger; likewise, Pokémon have been known to refuse evolution. In both cases, it is usually to please their trainer. This is yet another instance of the mystery that is Pokémon behaviour, and will of course be dealt with further in a future essay on said subject; suffice it to say, that when a Pokémon is treated properly by its trainer, the creature has an all too natural desire to treat its trainer properly as well. They may refuse to evolve, thinking the change would displease their partner, or evolve, also, attempting to please them. It may also be simply a matter of comfort; many infant Pokémon are known to evolve only when they are comfortable with their human companions. It is a sort of built-in rewards system, if you will.

_______In this case, what they adapt to is not precisely a matter of strength or survival, but rather to the loving environment they live in. Still adaptation, albeit to a different degree. It should not be confused with a false concept called "self-esteem", though. It is not truly "happiness", it is "comfort". If you have a Pokémon comfortable enough to evolve for you, but you trade it to another trainer, it will not evolve for him or her. They were taken out of their comfort zone, and their new trainer must give them the proper treatment if they expect to be treated properly in return.

SECTION VI
ON EVOLUTION THROUGH KNOWN MOVES​

_______There are some cases where a Pokémon will evolve only if it knows a certain move. How the knowledge of certain moves may affect the evolutive process is indeed hazy. If we observe, however, the similarities between these creatures, there is one possible conclusion as to why they evolve in this manner.

_______Take a look, if you will, at Piloswine and Mamoswine. Now, compare Yanma and Yanmega, and Tangela and Tangrowth. What similarities do they bear to each other? Indeed, they are all evolved, they are all larger and more powerful than their pre-evolutions, but there is another common factor. They all look more primitive than their pre-evolutions, as well. One must also take note of the move in particular that they must know to evolve: AncientPower.

_______I believe that the evolved forms of these pokemon were actually their evolutive (in a truer sense of the word) ancestors. Why would a Pokémon evolve into something that is weaker? For the same reason it does not evolve into something stronger. It no longer has the need for more strength; the climate is more stable, there is less competition, or other factors already explored might cause a creature to evolve, or "devolve", if you prefer, into a less formidable creature, simply because the species no longer needs to be so powerful. It is quite possible that the move AncientPower triggers some sort of cellular memory that forces the Pokémon to "regress" to a form more similar to that of it's ancestor.

_______That being said, I am uncertain what causes a Lickitung to evolve upon learning Rollout, but a similar process is probably involved, although one can hardly argue that a Lickilicky's body is not well suited for rolling about.

SECTION VII
ON OTHER FORMS OF EVOLUTION​

_______Aside from these more common forms of evolution, there are a few others that happen more isolated, particularly only within a certain species. Most of these need no explanation; why a male Burmy becomes a Mothim while the female becomes a Wormadam is rather logical. How the female's cloak may differ in materials is simply a less extreme form of adaptation. There are a couple, though, that I believe deserve mentioning.

_______A Vespiqueen will only evolve if the Combee is a female. The reason is rather plain to see - there can only be one queen in the hive, particularly since this queen IS the hive. The only reason a new Queen will evolve in nature is if she is needed, which again, is a form of adaptation, but not so much individually as it is for the good of the hive. On the rare ocassion a queen evolves without needing to, she will often leave to make her own hive.

_______Mantyke are the baby forms of Mantines. They have a rather unusual method of evolution, since they will only change form in the vecinity of a Remoraid. This is yet another example of how the trigger is not the cause of the evolution; Mantyke have the potential to change, the Remoraid is simply the means by which they can achieve that change.

_______Feebas will only evolve into Milotic if its beauty is tended to. This is another case of adaptation similar to the "happiness" case, in which the Pokémon adapts better to the situation around it, even if this is not crucial to is survival.

_______Tyrogue will evolve into one of three mature forms, depending on wether it is a balanced fighter, or favors offense or defense. Yet another case of adapting; in this case, the change serves to further enhance the attributes that the Tyrogue already possesses.

_______Wurmple will evolve into either Silkoon or Cascoon. This, I'm sad to say, does not seem to respond to any particular case of adaptation. It seems to be up to the Pokémon, who can apparently decide what to become. In that case it would be adapting to that particular Pokémon's likes, something far too complex to study, much less control.

_______And finally, while some may consider Shedinja an evolution of Nincada, it is not. It is, in fact, a byproduct of the evolution it underwent to a Ninjask. What exactly a Shedinja is, I am not the one to say. I can, however, assure that it is not, in and of itself, an evolution; although adapting may also play a part in its formation. In this case, only time and dedicated specialists' research will tell.

FINAL THOUGHTS​

_______And with this, I end my discourse on Pokémon evolution. Once again, all conclusions and hypothesis detailed in this work are the result only of my observations, and nothing can be claimed undisputable, nor should it be cited as fact. I will leave fact up to the scientists and researchers to verify. But hopefully, this has provided if not some insight, at least ideas, or raised enough questions that true investigation can be done by those much better qualified than myself. And perhaps one day, the mystery that is Pokémon evolution will be unraveled to us in it's entirety.

 

[Captain Falcon]

All I can say is amazing. I couldn't have done a better job myself. It looks like the kind of essay that would come straight out of Professor Rowan's documents (probably the ones that Team Galactic tried to steal).

 

[Vhazhiphor]

Why, thank you. If I recall correctly, though, it was Prof. Elm who had "Observations on Pokémon Evolution" started on his laptop in Crystal, wasn't it?

Anyway, I noticed that I sort of skipped over the "Evolution through moves" deal, so I added that where it should go, in Section VI and bumped the last section down to VII. Also added a simile in the Clefairy/Jigglypuff hypothesis with the evolution of Shellos.

 

[Jasui]

Absolutely brilliant! I wonder how much of this the game makers actually had in mind when designing the inner workings of the univers's science.
If I may add a thought: Could it be possible that the radiation of the Sun PREVENTS certain evolution as in Gligar and Sneasle?

 

[Vhazhiphor]

[...] Could it be possible that the radiation of the Sun PREVENTS certain evolution as in Gligar and Sneasle?

Indeed an interesting though. I had not considered that possibility; in most cases, it is a reaction to certain elements that permits/causes evolution, not the presence of them inhibiting the change.

It would be very possible, though, now that you mention it. And yes, it does make sense. Instead of reacting and adapting to nighttime, it is the absence of night, that is to say, the absence of the need for adaptation, that prevents the Pokémon from further developing.

Good thinking! Should I ever release a follow-up, am I allowed include this notion? With credit to you, of course.

 

[Jasui]

Haha, I was actually referring to the Sun's radiation inhibiting energies mingling with that of the held item and the innate evolution energy, but how you interpereted it fits better with the adaptation thing, which I forgot to take into account.
If you feel it is a formality, then cite me. I won't mind if you don't. I do, however rather enjoy this scientific mumbo jumbo and would like to get involved again if you have more to discuss.

 

[Vhazhiphor]

Sure, whenever you're up to it.

Also, since I have too much freakin' time on my hands for it to be healthy... I already wrote my second essay, De Facultas Pokémon, about Pokémon moves. Not sure if I should post it yet, though. I already have one wall of text for people to read...

 

[Necrozma]

Brilliant, I love the way you thought it all out. Here are some of my suggestions;

- Budew (Happiness + Sun)
- Riolu (Happeness + Sun)
- Happiny (Oval Stone + Sun)

You forgot to add these.

It would also be nice if you could explain how come only some Pokemon can evolve with stone, like Gloom or Poliwhirl. You also didn't explain branched evolution.

You know:
1. Gloom -> Vileplume and Bellosom
2. Kirlia -> Gallade and Gardevoir
3. Poliwhirl - Politoad and Poliwrath

Just a suggestion. :ksmile:

 

[Vhazhiphor]

My idea was not to explain individually how each Pokémon evolves, but rather give examples and a reasoning behind it. For example:

- Budew (Happiness + Sun)
- Riolu (Happeness + Sun)
- Happiny (Oval Stone + Sun)

I didn't exactly find a list of all Pokémon which evolved by a specific method (and believe me I tried to find it - most I got was one example per method), so I had to work by memory. The reasoning for their evolution is the same as detailed in Sections IV and V, Time and Emotions.

It would also be nice if you could explain how come only some Pokemon can evolve with stone, like Gloom or Poliwhirl.

I did. In Section II, On What Makes Evolution Possible and Radiation-Induced Evolution, I explain how the stone's energy reacts with the Pokémon's and forces an unnatural evolution, that would not be necessary otherwise throughout their lives.

You also didn't explain branched evolution.

You know:
1. Gloom -> Vileplume and Bellosom
2. Kirlia -> Gallade and Gardevoir
3. Poliwhirl - Politoad and Poliwrath

Just a suggestion. :ksmile:

While I know I didn't elaborate more deeply into branches, I did try to cover the basic idea.

Gloom can evolve into either of those two, because it has a latent potential for evolution. If exposed either stone, a radiation-induces evolution will trigger and it will change shape. Gloom simply has the potential for either evolution.

Likewise, Poliwhirl can be forced to evolve into a Poliwrath via radiation. It can also be forced to evolve by reacting to a Kings Rock as noted in Section III On Trade Induced Evolution. in both of these cases, the environment (King's Rock and high amount of energy, or Water Stone radiation) force it to react and adapt, changing form. Notice how most Pokemon that evolve through a stone learn only one or two other moves after evolving.

As for the dawn stone and it's effect on gender-specific members of a species, I could have elaborated further on that, as well. As I mentioned in the essay, some Pokémon such as the ones just discussed can evolve but have no natural need to; if forced to evolve their abilities will be limited, while other aspects will be enhanced. You could call this specialization of the Pokémon. Now, in cases such as with Gallade, we need to take a look at the differences between male and female members of different Pokémon species. For example; male and female Nidoran vary greatly, despite being of the same species. And even though they have the same types, they have different abilities, which correspond to their sexual roles; i.e. the male is more aggressive than the female.

In the case of Gallade and Gardevoir, we can see that both Pokémon exhibit a fierce loyalty to their trainer, but Gallade seems more inclined to actively defend not only it's trainer companion, but other, weaker creatures. It is part of it's role as a male of the species; what the Dawn Stone does is also expose the Pokémon (in this case, Kirlia) to a radiation that will force an otherwise unnecessary evolution, but this evolution is not unnatural.

It does not force the subject to adapt to an external environment; rather, the Dawn Stone forces the Pokémon to adapt more concretely to the role of it's gender. In this particular case, it grants Gallade alignment to the fighting type, and the use of a plethora of moves which allow it to further fulfill it's role as an active protector.

To put it in another way, Gardevoir (the female) will give her life to defend; Gallade (the male) will actively seek to eliminate the treat. This is mostly speculative on my behalf, however. The point is that in this case the specialization is not necessary, as bth forms fulfill the same basic role (which is protection), but the physiological differences, and the traits inherent to males of the species cause it to adapt better to it's role, if it is nudged in the right direction.

A similar thing occurs with Froslass, albeit this would be an example where, while the general form (Glalie) fulfills the natural roles of both males and females (mainly being mischievous, although loyal), the female has a more specific role to fulfill, instead of being mischievous, a Froslass is more sinister in its behavior, yet also much more fierce in defending those close and dear to it (mainly, their young). So it is not unnatural evolution; it is specialization of the gender's role, which is, while useful and possible, not necessary. In this sense, Dawn stones behave differently from other stones. Yet it is still the same trigger; a particular type of radiation.

I hope that cleared things up a bit. ^^

 

[Jasui]

Sure, whenever you're up to it.

Also, since I have too much freakin' time on my hands for it to be healthy... I already wrote my second essay, De Facultas Pokémon, about Pokémon moves. Not sure if I should post it yet, though. I already have one wall of text for people to read...

For the love of Arceus, man! Post it! Worry no about the consequences, this is SCIENCE!

 

[Vhazhiphor]

As you wish.

I am rather sad that I couldn't come up with exactly how it is that a Pokémon's Powers work, though. I'm tempted to say quantum physics or manipulating matter at a subatomic level, or something like that but I'm not familiar enough with it to feel comfortable claiming such things. Anyways... I'll post it.

 

[Dexter]

I really enjoyed your treatise on Pokemon evolution. A really good idea may be to put it up in sections on bulbanews much in the same the Origin of Species guy does his and once a week you could publish a section of it.

 

[Lady Muffin]

I have to say I find this very intruging.

Professor Oak probably jizzed his pants and has fallen in love.

Very good job indeed!!

But one slight question: What about Burmy? o: What determines them changing *cannot really remember because walls of text raped me prison style (not to say this is not a fabulous thread, which it is, but THE TEXT WALLS WERE LIKE. LONG.)*

 

[Vhazhiphor]

I really enjoyed your treatise on Pokemon evolution. A really good idea may be to put it up in sections on bulbanews much in the same the Origin of Species guy does his and once a week you could publish a section of it.

Well, I sent en email to the bulbanews editors to have it put up as an opinion article two days ago, and no reply yet. I might just go ahead and put it up myself, but I'm unsure what precisely their "edit" stage entails. I don't want my essay modified. If I get no reply by tomorrow, though, I will put it up as... article in progress, I think they call it.

I have to say I find this very intruging.

Professor Oak probably jizzed his pants and has fallen in love.

As flaterring as that seems to be intended, I really hope not. Otherwise... I will never, ever, bathe enough. <shudders>

Very good job indeed!!

But one slight question: What about Burmy? o: What determines them changing *cannot really remember because walls of text raped me prison style (not to say this is not a fabulous thread, which it is, but THE TEXT WALLS WERE LIKE. LONG.)*

Thank you.

Explained that one in the last section (sort of). Burmy change their cloak with materials they have available, so if they were last out in the grass, they'll make their cloak out of that. This idea is carried over to Wormadam, albeit in a more permanent fashion. Both are still examples of adapting to their environment, though.

 

[ScepticFeraligator]

Absoloutly awesome and inspiring.
Where'd you find the time to come up with all of this?

 

[Vhazhiphor]

Well, over the eight-ish years I've been playing I've sort of pasted these thoughts together. The main idea, anyway. And the other day I decided to sit down and write it, and the ideas for how each type of evolution works came to me as I got to them. I pretty much wrote it as I thought it.

Also, I'm lucky (or am I?) to not have a job at the moment and still be able to get by.

Edit: Also, I got a response a few days ago and I've submitted a draft (revised to include a couple of responses here) to Bulbanews. I don't know how long until it becomes a full article, but at least it's up there.