aor KEN eveerimthas | An Unofficial Guide orate mp) i => 9 ¥ BRE: o A Ea EGb6s > 4 BS 337) ere ORC pea a oPOKENATOMY An Unofficial Guide to the Science of Pokémon This book was written and illustrated by Christopher Stoll With professional editing, research, and writing assistance by Christina Crewe Ryan Stoll & Tori Edwards Cover illustration by Aaron Hain Special thanks to my parents Scott and Myra Stoll for putting up with their eldest son's Pokémon card collection and love of lizards Alll Rights Reserved Copyright © 2017 This book is not authorized, sponsored, endorsed, or licensed by Nintendo of America Inc, The Trademark Pokémon is owned by Nintendo of America Inc. and all trademarks mentioned in this book are the property of their respective companies ard used for educational and identification purposes only.INTRODUCTION This book's content is based upon real animal anatomy, behavioral biology, and scientific principals, However, it intended primarily to entertain and inspire. Many of these Pokémon are only vague approximations of reat organisms, some bear combinations of traits that do not oceur anywhere in the natural world, and a few have abilities that strain the possibilites of our scientific understanding. It is the duty of this book's bearer to question and to explore. To use these incredible monsters as a lens through which to appreciate the beauty, complexity, and uniqueness of real organisms. The world is full of nameless things, and mysteries yet unanswered. Go now, and learn all that you can.INDEX Bulbasaur pg.1 Sandshrew pg. 53 Persian _ pg. 105 Ivysaur pg. 3 |Sandslash pg. 55 | Psyduck pg. 107 Venusaur pg. 5 | Nidoran Q pg. 57 |Golduck pg. 109 Charmander pg. 7 |Nidorina pg. 59 |Mankey pg. Ul Charmeleon pg.9 | Nidoqueen pg. 61 |Primeape pg. 3 Charizard pg. 11 | Nidoran Cf pg. 63 | Growlithe pg. 115 Squirtle pg. 13| Nidorina pg. 65 |Arcanine pg. 7 Wartortle pg. 15 | Nidoking pg. 67 |Poliwag pg. 119 Blastoise pg. 17| Clefairy pg. 69 | Poliwhirl pg. 121 Caterpie pg. 19) Clefable pg. 71 | Poliwrath pg. 123 Metapod pg. 21 | Vulpix pg. 73 | Abra pg. 125 Butterfree pg. 23| Ninetales pg. 75 |Kadabra pg. 127 Weedle pg. 25 | Jigglypuff pg. 77 | Alakazam pg. 129 Kakuna pg. 27 | Wigglytuff pg. 79 |Machop pg. 131 Beedrill Pg. 29 | Zubat pg. 81 |Machoke _ pg. 133 Pidgey pg. 31 | Golbat pg. 83 |Machamp pg. 135 Pidgeotto _ pg. 33 | Oddish pg. 85 | Bellsprout pg. 137 Pidgeot pg. 35 | Gloom pg. 87 | Weepinbell pg. 139 Rattata pg. 37 | Vileplume pg. 89 | Victreebel pg. 141 Raticate pg. 39 | Paras pg. 9 | Tentacool pg. 143 Spearow pg. 41 | Parasect pg. 93 | Tentacruel pg. 145 Fearow pg. 43 | Venonat pg. 95 |Geodude _ pg. 147 Ekans pg. 45 | Venomoth pg. 97 |\Graveler pg. 149 Arbok pg. 47 | Diglett pg. 99 | Golem pg. 151 Pikachu pg. 49| Dugtrio _ pg. 101 Ponyta pg. 153 Raichu pg. 51 Meowth pg. 103Rapidash Slowpoke Slowbro Magnemite Magneton Farfetch'd Doduo Dodrio Seel Dewgong Grimer Muk Shelider Cloyster Gastly Haunter Gengar Onix Drowzee Hypno Krabby Kingler Voltorb Electrode Exeggcute pg. 155 pg. 157 pg. 159 pg. 161 pg. 163 pg. 165 pg. 167 pg. 1609 pg. 171 pg. 173 pg. 175 pg. 177 pg. 179 pg. 181 pg. 201 pg. 203 INDEX Exeggutor pg. 205 Cubone pg. 207 Marowak pg. 209 Hitmonlee pg. 21 Hitmonchan pg. 213 Lickitung pg. 215 Koffing pg. 217 Weezing pg. 219 Rhyhorn pg. 221 Rhydon pg. 223 Chansey pg. 225 Tangela pg. 227 Kangaskhan pg. 229 Horsea pg. 231 Seadra pg. 233 Goldeen pg. 235 Seaking Dg. 237 Staryu Pg. 239 Starmie pg. 241 Mr. Mime pg. 243 Scyther pg. 245 Jynx pg. 247 Electabuzz pg. 249 Magmar pg. 251 Pinsir pg. 253 Tauros pg. 255 Magikarp pg. 257 Gyarados pg. 259 Lapras pg. 261 Ditto pg. 263 Eevee pg. 265 Vaporeon pg. 267 Jolteon _ pg. 269 Flareon pg. 271 Porygon pg. 273 Omanyte pg. 275 Omastar pg. 277 Kabuto pg. 279 Kabutops pg. 281 Aerodactyl pg. 283 Snorlax pg. 285 Articuno pg. 287 Zapdos _pg. 289 Moltres pg. 291 Dratini _ pg. 293 Dragonair pg. 295 Dragonite pg. 297 Mewtwo pg. 299 Mew pg. 301 Togepi _—ppg. 303POKEMON EGGS OVERVIEW An egg is an organic vessel in which a Pokémon embryo develops until it can survive on its own, at which point the organism hatches. Most Pokémon eggs are surrounded hy a dry, rigid protective shell, though some aquatic Species lay eggs wrapped in a jelly- like sheath. Eggs laid on land or in nests are usually tended to by the parent Pokémon while the embryo grows. Typically, this means keeping the developing young warm and protected from predators and parasites. When the embryo is fully developed, it hatches, breaking through the egg's shell. Some Pokémon have a temporary egg tooth which ix necessary to break free. GENERAL Pokémon are varied organisms, with very few unifying biological principles that apply to all known species. Some Pokémon undergo evolution during their life span and conspicuously change their body structure, diet, disposition, and even their number of limbs. Some do not. Some Pokémon possess spines and internal, calcium- based skeletons. Some do not. Some are heterotrophs, and ingest other organisms for sustenance, Some do not. However, ane of the few, near- universal biological truths of Pokémon is that they lay eggs of some kind during their lifetime. Only humans, and a handful of extreme Pokémon like Gasily (pg. 183), Grimer (pg. 175), and Voltorb (pg. 199) reproduce in other ways. OBSERVATIONS The size and shape of Pokémon eggs vary considerably across species. Snorlax (pg. 285) have the largest of all Pokémon eggs at almost 30 cm in diameter, while some Pokémon eggs, like Clefairy's, (pg. 69) are so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye. Typically a Pokémon's egg is well suited to its environment. Pokémon that nest in the open or on high cliffs like Charizard (pg. U1) often have more cylindrical eggs. They are less likely to roll away, and will only spin in small circles if pushed. In contrast, many Pokémon that dig, burrow, or construct nests like Slowpoke (pg. 157) have more spherical eggs. VALUE Eggs require a great deal of metabolic energy to produce, and are a valuable source of nutrition. Some Pokémon like Cubone (pg. 207) feed almost exclusively upon them. These organisms are known as “ovivores"" and raid the nests of other Pokémon, killing or chasing away the parents to get the eggs. Humans have eaten Pokémon eggs for thousands of years, and even today they form a staple of diets around the world. The most popular are Chansey (pg. 225), Psyduck (pg. 107), and Magikarp (pg. 257) eggs, though the vast majority of Pokémon eggs are fully edible.PHYSIOLOGY Pokémon eggs are comprised of several main components. The shell is the protective outer layer, and composed almost entirely from calcium carbonate. This surface is semipermeable, and covered with thousands of tiny pores which allow air and moisture to pass through. The egg white is known as the albumen, and composed of dozens of specific POKEMON EGGS proteins. This serves to protect the yolk and provide additional nutrition late in development. The yolk is a spherical yellow node, and contains the majority of the egg's fat, protein, vitamins and minerals. This nourishes the developing embryo as it grows, Finally, there is the Pokémon embryo itself which grows to fill the entirety of the ege's interior before hatching.1, Psyduck 3. Squirtle 5. Paris 7. Sandshrew 9. Snorlax 2.Magikarp — 4. Oddish 6. Pikachu 8. Charmander 10. Weedle an17. 11. Togepi ‘13. Lapras 15. Doduo 17. Jigglypuff 19. Spearow 12. Bulbasaur 14. Electabuzz 16. Seel 18. Dratini 20. Mankey ~OVERVIEW Evolution is the general term used to describe a sudden and conspicuous biological change in an individual Pokémon. Evolution can change a Pokémon's disposition, diet, size, abilities, and even their number of limbs. Not all Pokémon evolve, but the majority of known species will undergo at least one transformation as they age and develop. Evolution is a sudden, energy- intensive process, and most Pokémon must store vast metabolic resources in order to catalyze the process. Because of this, evolution is not directly related to the age of a Pokémon. Some Pokémon may never amass the necessary metabolic energy to successfully evolve, living and dying entirely in their "adolescent" form. SIGNIFICANCE The purpose of evolution varies from species to species. Diglett (pg. 99), evolve in order to enter their reproductive phase. Others, such as Horsea (pg. 231), appear to evolve so that adolescent and adult members of the same species are not competing for identical food sources. Evolution generally aliows a single organism to occupy various ecological niches, therefore increasing overall survivability. For example, if Slowpoke's (pg. 157) aquatic habitat is destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, their evolved, POKEMON EVOLUTION terrestrial form Slowbro (pg. 159) will survive to usher in anew generation once environmental conditions have stabilized. VARIATION Many Pokémon evolve more than once during their lifespan, transitioning through a middle stage between their birth form and their full maturity. These intermediary evolutionary stages often bear the biological basis for their final form, Organs, senses, or structures that are only partially functional in the Pokémon's middle stage go on to form a critical aspect of the final organism. In Charmeleon (pg. 9), their upper arm bones and shoulder muscles are already divided in anticipation of development into Charizard’s (pg. 11) wings. This phenomenon is known as preemptive morphology, and can be seen in most three-stage evolutionary Pokémon. Some Pokémon only evolve under Specific conditions. Machoke (pg. 133), for example, evolve during severe physical or emotional stress. Clefairy (pg. 69) evolve only in the presence of a rare variety of radiation. Eevee (pg. 265) are unique among known Pokémon species for their branched evolution, known as Polyphenism. This means that nding upon the environments they encounter during their lifespan, Eevee can evolve into a form perfectly adapted to their local habitat.OVERVIEW The phenomenon of Pokémon evolution shares its name with the principle of descent with modification. This is known as biological evolution, and describes gradual changes in genetic traits across entire Pokémon populations. Pokémon evolution occurs during a single individual's lifespan, and describes how Kabuto (pg. 279) metamorphose into their adult form of Kabutops (pg. 281). Alternatively, biological evolution relates to the development of new species of Pokémon, and describes how Kabutops gradually adapted over millions of years into modern Scyther (pg. 245). In this book's entries, biological evolution is referred to as biological development in order to prevent confusion. FUNCTION: The development of Weedle (pg. 25) and Caterpie (pg. 19) is a good example of how this variety of evolution works. Fossil records indicate that these ovo Pokémon Sprang from a common ancestor over 100 million years ago. These distinct Pokémon started as two isolated populations of the same organism: a prehistoric worm-like creature with a three-stage life cycle. Due to environmental pressures like predation and climate change, Weedle's ancestors began to develop BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION complex social and communication skills that eventually formed the basis for modern Beedrill (pg. 29) hives. Alternatively, Caterpie's ancient ancestors lived in a region likely with more abundant sources of nectar, fruit, flower pollen, and different pressures and challenges. Individuals with advantageous traits and abilities tended to survive and alter the genetics of the next generation. Over millions of years, both groups drifted apart, becoming the specialized Pokémon species we know today. COOPERATIVE ADAPTATION Some Pokémon have developed symbiotic relationships through biological evolution. Over many generations, two organisms can come to depend more and more on their relationship until it becomes essential for survival. It is generally easier ta forge a symbiotic relationship than for a species to develop entirely new adaptations, For example, Bulbasaur's (pg. 1) symbiotic bulb was once an independent, stationary, semi-sentient plant-Pokémon. It could have evolved its own form of locomotion, but this might have taken millions of years. It was easier to develop adaptations that allowed it to grow on the backs of slow moving reptilian organisms that already had the means to walk, The bulby that did this had an advantage over their competitors, and continued to specialize to coexist with their host.Photosynthetic Vaseular Brain deeply inpwined with spmbioric tendrils Stout legs to ‘support the weight of both organisms Interlinked heart ‘and circulcaory system Plant tendrils grove in parallel Biunted claws for with the host's muscalanere digging and climbing Bufo Ornate Pg. 1 Bulo opening ‘win muscrtar plans vinesCHARACTERISTICS: Butbasaur are toad-like quadrupeds that house a symbiotic plant on their hack from birth. Both organisms have evolved to depend totally on the other for survival in a mutually beneficial relationship. The plant, once linked to the nervous system of its host, gains mobility and steady access to water and nutrients. The host is afforded protection by the plant's formidable array of toxic spores and muscular vines. PHYSIOLOGY At the core of Bulbasaur's is a seed-like node that grows with its host organism. Though non-sentient, this node is tied directly into the host's nervous system and can process sensory data, functioning as a secondary neural ganglia. Like the small secondary brains in Onix (pg. 189) and other large Pokémon, this node allows Bulbasaur to coordinate efficiently while on the move. Without the plant's additional memal capacity, Bulbasaur would be unable to control its powerful vines in combat. The symbiotic plant-like creature housed on the Bulbasaur's back extends tendrils that interlink the nervous and circulatory systems of the two organisms, The heart of an aduit Bulbasaur is bound by tuberous growths, feeding blood to the bulb on its back, BULBASAUR BEHAVIOR Butbasaur are solitary creatures. They rarely socialize with others of their species, and are territorial in the wild. There is no account of a Bulbasaur surviving past infancy without its parasite, and subsequently no evidence that the tumor-like bulb can persist without a host. As it grows, the plant on Bulbasaur's back begins to integrate more deeply with the host's nervous system. Eventually, it begins taking on a greater share of the neural load while the host's brain functions begin to decrease. This effect is compounded in later evolutionary stages, changing the creature's hehavior considerably. Habit; Diurnal, solitary Diet: Omnivorous; bugs, plants Habitat: Porested regions Vine length: Sm LIFESTYLE | 1Bud orifice widens and prepares for fell expansion Developing petals Dexterous prekensile vines Fully expanded leaves increase in length by 25% increase the efficiency of after evolution photosynthesis Aente external ears Branching roots utegrating with Forward facing the cireutarory binocular vision Legs increase in thickness and gait widens Plant symbtore Taber-tike center node reaches fully coordinates interactions Into host's between the two orgenisms extremities Bufo virent Pg. 3IVYSAUR CHARACTERISTICS Avysaur and Bulbasaur are distinguished only by the size and progression of their parasitic bulb. The reptilian Pokémon host remains relatively unchanged afier evolution, as the plant requires the most energy for its transformation. Ivysaur's bulb flowers during evolution, growing fleshy petals in a tightly bound bud. These will fully expand only once the Pokémon has matured into its final form. During this phase of the Pokémon's life, the plant begins to more deeply integrate itself, assuming near total control of Ivysaur’s central and peripheral nervous system, suppressing the host's ability to control its own body. PHYSIOLOGY The bulb cannot complete its life cycle without a host, and because of this it is advantageous for the symbiotic bulb to preserve Ivysaur's health. This is unlike Paras (pg. 91), where the host's death is necessary for reproduction. Because of their dual nature, Ivysaur are quite adaptable, and can endure a variety of extreme environmental conditions neither organism could survive alone. In harsh desert climates, the bulb can sustain its vulnerable host with energy from the sun via photosynthesis and by trapping dew on its hydrophilic petals. BEHAVIOR Tn dark, heavily forested regions where photosynthesis is insufficient, the host organism can hunt for inseet- Pokémon prey to support the metabolic needs of the bulb. Inysaur requires vast quantities of food to support both component organisms. To help feed their growing host, the bulb’s petats give off a pungent odor that attracts hungry Weedle (pg. 25) and Bellsprout (pg. 137). Using muscular vines, Ivysaur seize small Pokémon, and are even known to snatch Pidgey (pg. 31) out of the air. In preparation for their final evolution, Ivysaur spend months conserving energy and eating voraciously in order to build up the necessary metabolic reserves. 15m Weight: 13kg Vine lengeh: 10m LIFESTYLE Habit: Diurnal, solitary Diet: Omnivorous; large bugs, plants Habitat: Forested regions Life Span: 3-7 years ABILITIES Vine Deadlift: 150kg Vine Speed: 60km/h Seed Range: 10m | Ground Speed: 3km/hDiaphragm-tike mechanism Host issue grows into the launches seeds and spores plant's central stalk, further Imegrating the mo organtems Fully expanded flower indicates maturity Leaves maximize ‘surface area ‘Circulatory system flows through seed core Tendrils extract autrition from host's digestive Plant tendrits complete expansion through the host's body Plant tendrils bulge through host's onver skin Broad padded feet support the fully grown flower Bufo florentes Pg. 5VENUSAUR CHARACTERISTICS Venusaur are the final stage of Bulbasaur's life cycle, and represent one of the most deeply integrated symbiotic relationships in the natural world. During their evolution from Ivysaur, the seed core extends tendrils into all of the host's critical body systems, piercing the brain and completely subsuming the hast organism's will. This alters the Pokémon's behavior and transitions them into a more sedentary lifestyle. PHYSIOLOGY Although the bulb and host are deeply intertwined, the two organisms cannot fully integrate at the cellular level. The bulb's plant cells produce and store energy differently than the host's. Even at this late stage of development, Venusaur are still two mutually dependent organisms. The plant cells in the bulb must be partitioned by a series of adaptive organs and complex biochemical exchanges in order to interact with the host's cells. Venusaur's flower functions as a large muscular diaphragm and can catapult spores and seeds tong distances. The Pokémon's bulb can subdivide and eject smaller versions of itself at threats, These seed nodes weaponize Venusaur's symbiosis, latching onto other Pokémon and rapidly leeching internal fluids to increase their own size. These seeds cannot survive for long on any organism besides their reptilian host, but provide a potent, and deeply unsettling, defense. BEHAVIOR Bulbasaur and Ivysaur are capable of reproduction, but Venusaur lay the most eggs during this Pokémon's lifespan. Before breeding, the seed core extends a specialized vine into the host's reproductive system, bundling each developing egg with a small symbiotic seed. Long before the egg hatches, this seed will begin integrating with its new host. This ensures that a new generation of Bulbasaur will emerge into the world already engaged in a symbiotic exchange that has continued unbroken for millions of years. Vine Length: 15m LIFESTYLE Habit: Diurnal, solitary Diet: Omnivorous; large bugs, plants Lifespan: 7-10 years BREEDING Sexual Maturity: 3 years Mating Season: Springtime Egg Incubation: 1 week -7 eggs nguished by petal markingsDomed cranium containing farge complex brain Acute forward facing eyes. Tail flame fed by id isoprene. Thick flame-retardant skin swallowed plants.CHARMANDER CHARACTERISTICS Charmander are omnivorous, reptilian pack hunters known for the jet of fire perpetually erupting from the tip of their tail. Ectothermic by nature, Charmander depend upon the heat from this flame to regulate their body temperature. It burns throughout the creature's life, and is used for hunting, sexual competition, and defense against larger Pokémon. The size and intensity of a Charmander's tail flame is an indication of the individual's general health. PHYSIOLOGY The flame on a Charmander's tail is fed by liquid isoprene extracted during digestion from the chloroplasts of plants in Charmander's diet. Near the tip of the tail is a rough, sphincter-like orifice that controls the size of the flame. This fire is essential to Charmander's survival, and is used to regulate their cold-blooded bodies, as well as for defense. The ratio of brain-mass to body weight in adult Charmander indicates a high order of cerebral activity, pattern recognition, and advanced social skills. BEHAVIOR The center of a Charmander's life is the pack: a rigidly enforced matriarchal social structure that demands cooperation and communication. A Charmander pack can be composed of up to 60 individuals that include a number of dominant femates, male and female subordinates, and various offspring. The pack hunts and forages together daily to sustain their numbers, tends to eggs, and secures territory. A large pack can control hundreds of square kilometers. Charmander packs are known to ignite small forests, causing other Pokémon to panic and flee from the blinding smoke. This tactic gives hunting Charmander, with their large acute eyes and fireproof skin, a significant advantage. } Arm span: 0.6m LIFESTYLE Habit: Social, pack hunter Diet: Omnivorous; plants, Rattata } 1 Habitat: Deserts and drier climes Life span: 1-7 years ABILITIES Homeothermic body temp: 35°C‘Thick upper brow protects the brain during impacts Large masseter muscle for swrong bite y S — Fire size and intensi N ine wit ¢ increases with age ‘4 \ Develop wing Lacerta ignis corniger Pg. 9CHARMELEON CHARACTERISTICS Horned predatory Pokémon larger and more aggressive than Charmander, Charmeleon already bear many characteristics of their next developmental stage. Their long claws, increased strength, and explosive fire attacks can make them fearsome opponents. Because of their violent dispasitions, they are more likely to flourish and evolve into their final forms if domesticated. PHYSIOLOGY The humerus bone in Charmeteon's upper arm is divided, creating the basic structure necessary for a rudimentary wing. Its skeletal density decreases by over a third, reducing their total weight significantly. During their final evolution, this process accelerates to form Charizard’s hollow bones. BEHAVIOR Arfier Charmander evolves into Charmeleon, it is driven from its former pack and forced into a life of relative solitude. This encourages genetic variation, as older Pokémon in the pack tend ta die off or evolve. Newly-developed Charmeleon are instinctually compelled to seek out others to join and breed with. This transfers the strongest genes across multiple, distant Charmander packs. Once a Charmeleon has bred with members of a new pach, it is wypically chased off again, though it may be permitted to join this new social group. After multiple rejections, many Charmeleon will simply remain solitary; as such, these lone Pokémon may be larger, more aggressive, and fur more dangerous than one that remained as a member of a pack. Lone Charmeleon often have difficulty hunting, as the large Pokémon that comprise the diets of Charmander packs are too powerful for a single Charmeteon to take down alone. Because of this, they tend to hunt smaller Pokémon and scavenge carrion whenever it becomes available. Without the protection of a pack, few newly-developed Charmeleon survive for tong. Less than one in a hundred wild Charmeleon will endure long enough to evolve into Charizard. Habit: Solitary Lifespan: 7-15 years BREEDING Sexnal Maturity: 10 years Mating Season: Early fall Exgg Incubation: 8 months | Clutch Si: i Diet: Omnivorous Habitat: Deserts and drier climes + 1 20 EggsMembranous, highly vascular wing dssie for temperature regulation Plight Aortic arches nuuscles Mature flame expulsion Broad bipedal gait: Fully developed yprene reservoir Tridactyl feet Lacerta ignis volante Pg. 11 7CHARACTERISTICS Charizard are massive, reptilian, fire~ breathing hexapods with broad wings and bright orange coloration. Unlike their lower evolutionary forms, Charizard have long necks and two blunt horns protruding from their small heads. Charizard only evolve from lone Charmeleon, and will not develop if they are part of a social group. The purpose of this restrictive process is not entirely understood, but may be a way to ensure that only the mos powerful, independent, and resilient Charmeleon reach full maturity. As a result, Charizard live in isolation and tend to avoid other Pokémon that are not prey. Their disposition towards humans is typically hostile, and Charizard are among the most difficult Pokémon to domesticate. PHYSIOLOGY Uniike their prior forms, Charizard naturally produce isoprene and do not derive their tail flame's fuel from plant matter. They also produce hydrogen gas as a byproduct of their digestion, adding another source of flammable material to their arsenal. This gas resides in specialized chambers adjacent to their stomach, and increase Charizard's buoyancy to assist in flight. Aerosolized isoprene and hydrogen gas are also the source of this Pokémon's notorious fire- breathing abilities. Charizard are CHARIZARD capable of venting bursts of this mixture though their open mouths, igniting it with a rough, thimble- shaped organ in their sinuses. If startled or approached recklessly, Charizard will often reflexively vent flame as a warning, BEHAVIOR Due to their size and formidable abilities, Charizard have been useful human allies for thousands of years. Charizard can he ridden with a saddle for a rider's balance and positioning, and a bridle or headgear to maintain control. They were once heavily utilized in warfare, but in the modern era, Charizard have largely been replaced by mechanized alternatives. Today, they. feature i in ceremonies or reconnaissance in regions where motorized vehicles are ineffective. Wingspan: 3.2m LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary Diet: Omnivorous; plants, large animals Habitat: Deserts and drier climates Lifespan: 16-30 years ABILITIES Homeothermic body temperature: 38°C | Flame temperature: 400°C | Fire Range: 50m | op Flight Speed: 320km/hTransparent eyelid for high-speed travel a | f \_Harodynamic \ cranian in place of teeth Efficient gills adjacent to Lungs Webbed hands Bony plates ‘comprise shell Pebis permarenily joined to shell Testudo parvus Pg. 13CHARACTERISTICS: Squirtle are mischievous, aquatic, shelled creatures that prefer to interact only with Pokémon within their own evolutionary line. Squirtle typically walk on two legs, but are known to sprint at higher speeds as quadrupeds, While in the water, their webbed limbs and hydrodynamic bodies propel them up to 20 meters per second. PHYSIOLOGY Squirtle is one of only a few Pokémon that possesses lungs as well as functional gills, These two sets of organs are often used interchangeably. When near water, Squirtle are known to fill their lungs to capacity with fluid and retain it. They can draw oxygen from their saturated lungs for hours, and violently expel their load of water if they need to make a quick escape. Overlapping muscles on Squirtle's sides function like a diaphragm. Their motion expands and contracts its rigid shell along elastic plate-like joints, changing the volume of their chest cavity and drawing air (or water) into the lungs. This pressure can also be used to propel water from Squirile's saturated lungs at high speed. Their bodies are encased in a bony shell, which hardens shortly after birth and continues to grow in SQUIRTLE thickness throughout their lives. Cemuries ago, Squirtle shells were so highly prized as sources of hardened ivory that the species was hunted nearly to extinction. In the modern era, Squirtle populations have recovered as synthetic materials replaced their usefulness. BEHAVIOR They are powerful swimmers, and have been spotted traveling hundreds of miles from shore, Squirtle live much of their lives in water, mating while submerged and laying their leathery eggs in sandy deposits on isolated shorelines. Only with human intervention have some Squirtles been trained to abandon the sea and live on land. However, this environment is antithetical to their migratory instincts and often leads to severe emotional problems and misbehavior. Key Facts SIZE Height: 0.75m Weight: 10kg Arm span: 0.5m LIFESTYLE Habit: Diurnal, typically social Diet: Omnivorous; Sea plants, Magikarp Habitat: Coastal waters in seaweed beds Lifespan: 1-12 years ABILITIESHydrodynamic fins Shell dorsal plate Cartileginous ‘Padding above beak Keretin fibers Smuriy leg muscles adapted for bipedal movement Testudo bellum Pg. 15CHARACTERISTICS Wartortle are bipedal, pale blue, aquatic reptiles, casily distinguished from their lower evolutionary form by their large, plumed tails and ears. The majority of Wartortle's body is covered by its rigid shell. The sheil is comprised of multiple overlapping bone plates called scutes that ave bound together by leathery protective tissue. Wartortle are not as hydrodynamic as their smaller, less evolved counterparts, but compensate in the water with their large size and more powerful limbs. PHYSIOLOGY Wartortle are well adapted to life on land, and lose their gills as they grow, to be replaced with a pressurized, water storage organ that allows Wartortle to eject bursts of swallowed seawater at lethal speeds. These twin compartments run the length of Wartortle's shell and are connected to their esophagus by a muscular valve. They are used for hunting, and allow Wartortle to blast unwary bird- Pokémon from the sky. As they evolve, these organs further develop into Blastoise's formidable dual jets. Wartortle's plumed tail and ears appear soft from a distance, but are actually composed entirely of thick, tightly woven keratin fibers. These rigid structures function as rudders while the Pokémon swims, allowing Wartortle to change directions at high specds, This maneuverability equips them to chase down swift aquatic Pokémon, ensuring that Wartortle seldom go hungry. BEHAVIOR Wartortle are omnivorous, and eat a variety of marine and terrestrial Pokémon. They have been known to hunt Rattata (pg. 37) and Pidgey (pg. 31) when confined to land. Wartortle are immune to the stings of Tentacool (pg. 143), and consume them regularly, Due to Tentacool's Jow nutritional value, it is likely that Wartortle enjoy their taste or derive pleasure from the hunt. This behavior is encouraged by trainers to help keep coastal waters safe for humans, SIZE Height: 1.25m Weight: 23kg Arm span: 0.75mi LIFESTYLE Habit: Diurnal, typically social Diet: Omnivorous; Sea plants, Magikarp Habitat: Coastal waters in seaweed beds Lifespan: 13-34 years BREEDING Sexual Maturity: 25 years Mating Season: Spring Egg Incubatio Clutch r“Testudo armis bellum Pg. 17CHARACTERISTICS Buastoise are large, armored, reptilian Pokémon with artificial cannons affixed to their internal water reservoirs. Ancient Blastoise populations lacked these external, tubular jets, and instead had two symmetrical, fleshy orifices jutting slightly from their shell. However, these Pokémon have become so selectively bred that they have gone extinct in the wild and the only remaining populations depend upon human intervention to survive. Blastoise have been a common fixture in human society for thousands of years. Prior to modern industrial development, they were used asa frequent fire-suppression method. Their utility was not limited to fire brigades, and trained Blastoise were often also necessary for transporting or storing fresh water, Blastoise labor played a key role in primitive industry and warfare as well, and encouraged breeding them toward larger water reservoirs and stronger expulsions. PHYSIOLOGY Over centuries and centuries of human interaction and deliberate breeding, the natural water expulsion system was expanded until it became dependent upon artificial, pipe-like insertions that allow focused streams of water to pass through them at high speeds. Today, these cannons contain mechanical components that interface with Blastoise's physiology to moderate stream size and strength. These components are surgically joined to Blastoise's water expulsion orifices immediately upon evolution. They seal directly into twin compartments along Blastoise's shell, which terminate in twin muscular valves. Without these cannons, Blastoise are likely to rupture or tear their own orifices, resulting in death, BEHAVIOR Buastoise have been selectively bred for obedience and utility, and as such they get along well with humans and adapt much more easily to captivity than their two less evolved forms. Blastoise are still a common sight in human cities, and are often utilized in varied roles by police, coast guards, and military forces. Habit: Diurnal, typically social Diet: Omnivorous; Sea plants, Magikarp Habitat: Capt Lifespan: 35-80 years ABILITIES Projection range: 15m | Max water pressure: 20004Pa | Max swim speed: 20kmih | Max running speed: dkon/hSensory antenna Spinneret Pheromone receptor — Dorsal plate Thorasie leg. Abdominal teg. Abdominal muscles Abdominal chitin plates Vermis foetidum Pg. 19CATERPIE CHARACTERISTICS Caterpie are diminutive larval herbivores that form the basis for many Pokémon food chains and have a very low trophic level. Caterpie are found worldwide. These unassuming invertebrates require more energy than most Pokémon to catalyze their evolution, and must feed constantly to maintain the necessary metabolic reserves. They are voracious eaters, and serious agricultural pests it many human communities. PHYSIOLOGY Caterpie have soft, vulnerable bodies with a hardened head carapace and large, acute eyes. Their mandibles are powerful and adapted for grinding tough vegetation. Behind Caterpie's mandibles is a large, highly complex, silk-producing organ that converges into a mass of forward-facing orifices. Caterpic are capable of consciously blending multiple types of filaments in unique combinations to adjust the strength and elasticity of their sith. These silk strands are Caterpie's primary method of defense, and are used to weave a protective shell necessary for their evolution. Caterpie are distantly related to the Weedle (pg. 23), but can be easily distinguished by their bright green coloration, absence of legs on every abdominal segment, and the prominent Y-shaped sensory apparatus on Caterpie's head. BEHAVIOR Caterpie are the prey for many distinct Pokémon species, and are particularly vulnerable to Pidgey (pg. 31) and its two evolved forms, Green coloration is Caterpie's first line of defense, and acts as camouflage. Using this to defend from aerial attacks, Caterpie instinctively freeze at the first sign of nearby bird Pokémon. If this fails, and the Pokémon is discovered, Caterpie thrash wildly while spraying large silk sheets to scare off potential predators. Despite these defensive adaptations, many Caterpie are eaten before they reach the next stage of their evolution. T Habit: Solitary, diurnal Diet: Herbivorous; leaves and seeds Habitat: Forests, farm land Lifespan: 1-2 years ABILITIES Max String Projection: Sm Projection Speed: 10km/h Tensile strength: 500MPa i Top Speed: 2kmlhCrnde musculature Primitive light-sensitive Impact resistant external evespot Sofi tissue Developing compound eve Rigid, inert Developing insect Pokémon wing Shell stress point where armor is thickest Abductor muscles Sectioned carapace Vermis durum testa Pg. 21METAPOD CHARACTERISTICS As Caterpie's intermediate evolutionary sage, pupal Metapod are common, het -armored, and mostly immobile insect-Pokémon. The rigid outermost layers of a Metapod are composed of inert silk, spun by the Caterpie during its evolution, Within this armored cocoon, Caterpie's original organs liquefy and differentiate over many weeks into their final form. If Metapod's shell is broken by external forces before the organism within has finished developing, it is sure to perish. PHYSIOLOGY Beneath their rigid shell's exterior is 4@ layer of crude musculature and soft tissue several centimeters thick, designed to cushion impacts and reduce stress on the developing Butterfree within. Most predatory Pokémon are incapable of breaking through Metapod's armor, and quickly learn to leave them alone, If attacked, Metaped possess only one meaningful defensive ability. By using powerful abductor muscles, Metapod can constrict the overlapping layers of their carapace in anticipation of a blow. This reflex diverts the force of impacts across the most powerful sections of Metapod's armor, allowing this Pokémon to endure incredible stresses without breaking or buckling. Eventually, the organism within Metapod's chrysalis finishes its transformation into an adult Butterfree and must escape. The newly-metamorphosed Butterfree scrapes and chews itself out, secreting fluid called cocoonase that softens Metapod's shell. This emergence occurs suddenly, taking only a few minutes for the adult organism to surface and fly away. BEHAVIOR With no offensive capabilities, Metapod depend upon concealment in order to survive, usually camouflaged among tall grasses or leaves in the tree line. Unlike Kakuna (pg. 27), which are afforded protection by adult Beedrill, Metapod are not social creatures and are ignored by their evolved forms. SIZE Height: 0.75m Diurnal, solitary ‘one Habitat: Forests, farm land Lifespan: 2-3 years ABILITIES Shell Hardness: 9-L0Mohs Visual Acuity: 20/20 | Spore Radius: 5mRigid ower wing scaffold Flexible interior wing Sensory ganglia Wing vasculature Ahductor muscles Hindwing Back legs for perching Vermis venana avium Pg. 23BUTTERFREE CHARACTERISTICS: The final stage of Caterpie's lifecycle, Bunerfree are docile, flying insect- Pokémon that play a critical role in pollination and seed dispersal for many plant species. After several months of development, Metapod's outer shell splits and an adult Butterfree climbs out. It takes several hours for the newly escaped Butterfree's wings to dry and expand. During this period, they are grounded and vulnerable. Butterfree are characterized by their four scaled wings and fluttering flight patterns. The scales coating their wings are almost invisible to the naked eye, and are very similar to Venomoth's (pg. 97). These tiny structures insulate Butterfree's wings and improve their aerodynamic properties, Butterfree’s digestive system is adapted primarily for liquids, and feed on flower nectar, pollen, tree sap, and fruit juices. PHYSIOLOGY Bunerfree have large compound eyes and excellent vision. They are sensitive to the ultraviolet spectrum, a useful ability to spot desirable flower species from high altitudes. When flying, they primarily use their antennae to sense their surroundings. These organs are covered in tiny hair- like cells known as sensillum that receive and interpret complex olfactory information. Butterfree are a critical part of most ecosystems due to the role they play in pollination. Their oblong lower legs are covered in fine hairs which inadvertently trap pollen as they tand on flowering plants. By flying from flower to flower, Butterfree transmit the plant's reproductive materia over long distances and can single- handedly ensure a forest's general health and continued expansion. BEHAVIOR Butterfree use pheromones to communicate across vast distances, using their specialized sealed wings to transmit scents during flight. These particulates can have a variety of unusual effects on other organisms, ranging from sudden allergic attacks to unconsciousness. Weight: 30kg Wingspan: 3m } Females are defined by purple markings } ABILITIES[iter tip Head stinger Head carapace Waterproof insutarion Venom gland lortte arches Chitinous exoskeleron Spherical Body segment Vermis corniger Pg. 25WEEDLE CHARACTERISTICS Weedle are the carnivorous larval stage of Beedrill, and are a critical consumer of decaying matter and carrion in most forest ecosystems. These limbless insect-Pokémon can be found most commonly around Beedrili hives. In these massive communal structures, Weedle eggs are laid by the hundreds. After hatching, infant Weedle are dependent upon Beedrill for daily deliveries of meat. Only once they are fully grown can Weedie begin to venture out of the hive on their own. PHYSIOLOGY They possess two powerful stingers on either end of their body, and can deliver large doses of toxins comparable to their evolved form. Despite this, Weedle are vulnerable to predation from a variety of species, and even with the protection of their hive, few will live long enough to evolve into Kakuna, Lickitung (pg. 215), Pidgeotto (pg. 33), and Zubat (pg. 81) all routinely raid Beedritt nests, and will easily overpower and consume lone Weedle, The fortunate few that survive long enough to evolve will excrete a fast-drying, natural adhesive from both of their stingers which coats their bodies. This tightly binds Weedle, and hardens into the segmented plates of Kakuna's formidable armor. BEHAVIOR Weedte will consume any kind of organic tissue presented to thent, but seem to overwhelmingly prefer rotten meat when it's available. Whenever a large Pokémon dies in a forested region, Weedle are always among the first scavengers arriving to pick the carcass clean. Weedle are used heavily in medical practices even in modern day. Under controlled hospital conditions, live Weedle can he introduced into festering human wounds, They feed on the dead or necrotic tissue, leaving healthy flesh mostly unharmed. This procedure has been met with widespread success, but must be carefully supervised to prevent the hungry Weedle from attempting to eat the patient alive. SIZE Height: 0.2m LIFESTYLE Habit: Diurnal, highly social Diet: Detritiverous carnivore; necrotic flesh Habitat: Forests Lifespan: 1-2 years } ABILITIES Max String Projection: Sm | Projection Speed: 10kin/ft | Stinger Hardness: 8-9MohsDeveloping heat section and braincase ‘Dévibpiag ‘compound eve Primative external eyes Primative stinger remains soft undil > tissue Abdominal stinger only paren ; SE Developing abdomen Vermis tegmine Pg. 27KAKUNA CHARACTERISTICS Kakuna are immobile, heavily armored insect-Pokémon. They are the lifeblood of a Beedrill hive, and unlike their close cousins, Metapod (pg. 21), Kakuna require extensive care and protection during their development, These Pokémon cannot survive independently of a social support structure. PHYSIOLOGY Kakuna's armored exterior is comprised of chitin, a characteristic component of most insect-Pokémon skeletons. This substance is rigid, yet durable, and protects a developing Kakuna from physical damage. Kakuna have no external mouthparts or accessible orifices, and do not eat at all during their development. They are entirely enclosed and nutritionally self-sufficient until they evolve. As Kakuna grows, the soft internal organism almost entirely liquifies, reforming gradually into fully formed Beedrill in a compressed chitin shell. This takes several months, and upon completion, the new Beedrill will chew itself out of its prison using its powerful mandibles. BEHAVIOR As Weedle evolve into Kakuna, they disperse a chemical signal calling for members of the hive to come and collect them. Once a Beedrill has picked up the new Kakuna, it will place it carefully within the hive's imain structure. Here the Kakuna can develop in relative safety for the several months required to evolve into their final developmental stage. Kakuna are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, and will produce a damaged or developmentally deficient Beedrill if poorly cared for. So to ensure the hive's next generation continues, Beedrill will carefully tend to the Kakuna's needs during this period. If the weather is to0 hot, they will fan their wings to lower Kakuna's temperature. If moisture accumulates on Kakuna's shell, attendant Beedrill will lick it off to prevent mildew from growing. | Height: 0.75m Weight: 10.25kg LIFESTYLE Habit: Crepuscular, social Diet: None Habitat: Forests Lifespan: 2-3 years ABILITIES Shell Hardness: 9-10Mohs Visual Acuity: 20/20 } Spore Radius: 7mAntenna Rotational muscles Hindwing J Primary stingers Chitinons segmented timbs Venom gland | ene 2 coloration 7 Apium cosuetedine Pg. 29 :BEEDRILL CHARACTERISTICS: Beedrill live in cooperative colonies of up to a hundred individuals, raising young and defending their territory collectively. Beedrill create wood pulp by mixing rotten wood and tree bark with their saliva. By fixing layer after layer of this pulp to a large fside, Beedrill construct their hives. These massive structures are comprised of hundreds of hexagonal chambers, each with room for an egg to develop. PHYSIOLOGY Beedrill are named for the prominent conical stingers on their forelimbs, These twin weapons are just as capable of delivering venom as a Beedrill's abdominal stinger, but are used primarily as construction tools. Beedrill possess excellent eyesight, and use their compound vision to scout for prey through dense forest canopies. When it spots a suitable Pokémon, typically a Rattata (pg. 37) or Pidgey (pg. 31), the Beedrill swoops down onto its victim, stings it, and carries the paralyzed creature back to its hive to feed the colony. Their venom contains powerful digestive enzymes that liquefy the internal organs of prey Pokémon while they are still alive. This process takes several hours, making slurry of their prey. Bones, hooves, claws, and other indigestible parts are ground between Beedrill's mandibles and added to the hive. BEHAVIOR Aidutt Beedrill are responsible for the care and feeding of their two lower evolutionary forms, and must constantly bring home food for the carnivorous Weedle that inhabit the hive. When an adult returns to the nest with food, hungry Weedle make rasping noises to signal their need, These powerful insect-Pokémon seldom sting non-prey organisms, except in defense of their hive. Although many people fear Beedrill, they are rarely responsible for human death. The sting is typically dangerous only to those who are allergic. In vertebrates, Beedrill venom affects the heart and blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and preventing clotting to ensure that the toxin spreads quickly. Wingspan: 3.5m LIFESTYLE Habit: Extremely social, predatory Diet: Small Pokémon Habitat: Forests Lifespan: 2-4 years BREEDING Sexual Maturity: 2 years | Breeding Season: Late Summer | Number of Eggs: 10-200 annually t Hatching time: 1 weekAves communia Pg. 31PIDGEY CHARACTERISTICS Pidgey are one of the most plentiful and widespread Pokémon on the planet, and are rarely found far from human settlements. Pidgey are advantageous feeders, supplementing their natural diet of seeds with food provided (or stolen) from humans, Their success and survival is in large part due to their ability to exploit human food sources, from spilled breadcrumbs to large-scale crops. Today, they are considered pests in many parts of the world and often hunted or captured for sport. PHYSIOLOGY Like alt bird Pokémon, Pidgey have hollow skeletons, light but powerful muscular systems, and a high metabolic rate that requires constant energy to maintain. Pidgey lack teeth or a true jaw, depending instead on a lightweight beak for pecking and plucking at food that they swallow whole, With a gizzard below their stomach containing small gastroliths, they can grind tough seeds, grains, and other indigestible materials that make it into their gastrointestinal tracts. Pidgey have didactyl feet: two forward-facing toes with blunt talons jutting from a padded base. This allows Pidgey to land, grip outcroppings to roost, and make quick dismounts when threatened, startled, or hungry for their next meal. a BEHAVIOR They are prey to many carnivorous Pokémon, ranging from Ekans (pg. 45) to Meowth (pg. 103) to evolved raptors such as Fearow (pg. 43). In their un-evolved forms, Pidgey have few attacks to aid their survival, instead relying on escape and their prolific breeding. They are capable evaders in flight, and their small bodies allow them to shelter in close underbrush and hidey-holes where larger predators can't follow, Pidgey rarely breed far from humans, often nesting in roofs or attics. They construct untidy nests of twigs, scavenged trash, and fabric where they lay their small eggs. Typically social with other members of their species, nesting Pidgey become highly territorial and will attempt to defend their young fram any Pokémon that approaches too closely. SIZE Height: 0.5m Weight: 2kg Wingspan: 1.5m LIFESTYLE Habit; Diurnal, Typically social Diet: Herbovorous; Seeds and grains Habitat: Forests, fields ABILITIES Gust Strength: S0kan/h | Flight speed: S0kinihSecondary feathers Tarsus Aves pluma brevis Pg. 33PIDGEOTTO CHARACTERISTICS Larger and more powerful than their diminutive evolutionary forms, Pidgeotto are a common sight in many rural areas. They are easily distinguished from Pidgey by their prominent crimson crest and bright wail plumage. Pidgeotto eat a wide variety of foods, including seeds, leaves, acorns, grains, and berries. They are also opportunistic predators, eating Caterpie (pg. 19) and other insect- Pokémon. Like Pidgey, Pidgeotto enjoy eating crops. In the summer months, large flocks of these Pokémon can descend upon ripe fields and strip them clean. For this reason, farmers often keep a variety of trained predatory Pokémon on hand to patrol their fields and ward off hungry Pidgeotto. PHYSIOLOGY In order to digest diverse food sources, Pidgeotto possess a muscular pouch adjacent to their esophagus called a crop. The crop grinds and softens food and can store seeds or grain for long periods before moving them into the digestive system. Pidgeotto also possess a gizzard, a specialized stomach-like organ composed of muscular bands that can grind, rotate, and crush difficult foods. Like Graveler (pg. 149), Pidgeotto's gizzard contains small stones called gastroliths that were deliberately swallowed to aid in digestion and function like the teeth of most other Pokémon. With an increased wingspan, longer beak and talons, and aggressive temperament, Pidgeotto pose a threat to predators and even unevolved Pidgey when competing for food. BEHAVIOR During breeding season, Pidgeatto attract mates with a high-pitched call and a series of intricate aerial maneuvers. Unlike most Pokémon species where one sex must entice the other, Pidgeotto displays are mutual and either sex can reject the other's display. This behavior is, in pari, a consequence of their low levels of sexual dimorphism. Male and female Pidgeotto are nearly identical in size, disposition, power, and appearance. SIZE Height: 1.25m Weight: 31kg Wingspan: 3m LIFESTYLE Diet: Omniverous; Seeds, grains, Caterpie Lifespan: 3-5 years BREEDING Sexual Maturity: 1 year Mating Season: Spring Egg Incubation: 2 weeks } Clutch Size: 3-5 eges SsPIDGEOT Pokémon on its outstretched talons, CHARACTERISTICS Pidgeot are carnivorous, aerial, apex predators known for their powerful talons and fierce dispositions. Pidgeot routinely consume prey weighing more than 10 kg, and have been recorded carrying off Pokémon equal 10 their own body weight. Their main prey are large mammalian Pokémon like Mankey (pg. 111) and adolescent Slowpoke (pg. 157). Pidgeot's diet differs dramatically from their two lower evolutionary forms. This appears to have developed so that adolescent Pidgey and adult Pidgeot are not competing for identical food sources. A striking difference in disposition and diet allows Pidgey to occupy various ecological niches during its lifespan, increasing its overall survivability. PHYSIOLOGY Pidgeot make their homes in forests and jungles, and are poorly adapted 10 open terrain. Their wings are proportionally shorter than many other predatory flying Pokémon, adapted to navigate dense canopy branches. They are adept flyers, but sacrifice speed for maneuverability. Pidgeot use a specialized hunting technique known as 'perch-huniing', which entails brief flights from tree to tree while scanning for prey. When a suitable target is spotted, Pidgeot dives from its perch to spear the BEHAVIOR Pidgeot are monogamous, and once pair bonded, will remain with their partners for the rest of their lives. If one Pidgeot dies, the remaining Pokémon will seldom attempt to find a replacement mate. Male and female Pidgeot are identical in size and disposition, and signal their desire to find a partner by constructing a nest. Once a member of the opposite sex expresses interest, the two Pokémon enter into mutual aerial displays. Pidgeot will chase each other for several hours, clasping talons and entering mutual diagonal dives to display affection. After the conclusion of these displays, the interested Pidgeot will decide whether or not to join the nest and raise young. Wingspan: 3m Tail Length: 0.2m it: Diurnal, typically social Diet: Carnivorous; large Pokémon Habitat: Forests and jungles Lifespan: 5-7 years ABILITIES Gust strength: 7kmalh Flight speed: 80kan!ht | Speed: 120kmnihTemporatis muscle Sinuses Perpetually growing teeth Fleshy whisker Weighted rait curl for balance Latissinus dorsi muscles Ovelapping tail muscles External oblique museles Rattus purpura Pg. 37RATTATA CHARACTERISTICS Rattata are diminutive, purple, rodent Pokémon that are common throughout the known world. They are generally considered pest organisms, causing extensive damage to human crops, burrowing under buildings, damaging infrastructure, and invading food stores. They are a threat to many natural habitats because of their aggressive population growth and feeding habits. Several remote islands have had their ecology adversely altered by the sudden arrival of Rattata, and even the Alola region struggles to contain their infestation of these voracious rodents. PHYSIOLOGY Rattata are characterized by their sharp, protruding incisors. These teeth do not stop growing throughout the Pokémon's life. Because of this, Rattata must gnaw constantly to prevent their teeth from puncturing through their own bottom jaw. Their front limbs have strong claw-like nails adapted for digging. Rattata'’s dexterous hands, small bodies, and strong limbs allow them to run, climb, swim, burrow, or leap through most obstacles in their way. BEHAVIOR They often raid pantries, basements, and other storage for grains and cereals. Rattata are extremely successful omnivores and eat a wide range of foods, even including a variety of small Pokémon. Due to their small size, Rattata are easy prey to many predatory Pokémon species. This includes, but is not limited to, Meowth (pg. 103), Ekans (pg. 45), Growlithe (pg. 115), and Bellsprout (pg. 137). To ensure steady numbers, Rattata must breed often, creating nests in underground burrows or old trees, laying up to three clutches of eggs annually. It is not known where Rattata originated, but by hitching rides on human transports, these adaptable Pokémon have spread across the globe. Rattata can be found wherever humans live, With rare exception, they depend heavily upon human settlements for food and shelter. Height: 0.3m Weight: 3.75kg LIFESTYLE. Habit: Nocturnal, typically social Diet: Opportunistic omnivores Habitat: In and around cities and towns Lifespan: 1-3 years ABILITIES Sprinting Speed: 7km/h | Jumping Height: 7m LeThick cranial plate Vaseutarized ear Forward facing eves Efficient tower digestive tract Calcanens Rattus magnus Pg. 39RATICATE CHARACTERISTICS Raticate are heavyset, bipedal rodent- Pokémon covered in coarse fur. They are much larger than their lower evolutionary form, and easily distinguished from Rattata by their coloration and scaly, prehensile tail. Raticate are omnivores with large teeth that grow constantly throughout the Pokémon's life. They primarily eat plant matter, and enjoy seeds, grass, and tree bark, In order to digest this plant matter, Raticate perform coprophagy or the eating of their own feces. By producing and consuming specialized, soft fecal pellets called cecotropes, they can recycle vitamins and fiber for proper digestion. Raticate share this unusual behavior with Wigglytuff (pg. 79). PHYSIOLOGY Raticate's fleshy whiskers are highty vascular and contain delicate nerve endings, These specialized organs form the basis for a tactile sense totally distinct from and complementary to Raticate's skin. Because these Pokémon are most active at night, they cannot always rely on sight to find food and shelter. Their whiskers allow them to sample their environment, determine if an opening is suitably sized to hide their large bodies, and detect predators in total darkness. Raticate's whiskers also play a social role, and are brushed affectionately together to ee promote group bonding and for reconciliation post-conflict. BEHAVIOR Raticate are much more social than Rattata. While some live solitary lives, they are most commonly found in groups of 10-20 individuals, with two or three males guarding up to 15 females. Males establish social bonds and a breeding hierarchy, with the larger male typically controlling the group. Raticate travel together in search of suitable food sources, and a hungry group can scour a field of crops in a single evening. Raticate are extremely vocal Pokémon, with a wide variety of distinct calls, They can make shrieks and dog-like barks when threatened or competing for social rank, SIZE ‘Height: im Weight: 19kg LIFESTYLE Habit: Nocturnal, typically social [Sexual Maturity: 1 year Mating Season: Vear round [Femates pce inherPrimary flight feathers h Covert feathers a 4 a Flexor carpi ulnaris Serratus posterior Tibiatis anterior Tail feathers (retrices) Talons Aves rostro acutus Pg. 41SPEAROW CHARACTERISTICS \Spearow are carnivorous bird- Pokémon found most commonly on mountains, moors, and rocky ravines, Large flocks of up to a hundred fly, feed, and roost together. During breeding season, these groups divide up, hold their individual territories, and defend them violently. Spearow are agile in the air, and prefer to attack opponents by dive-bombing repeatedly with their sharp talons. PHYSIOLOGY Though a powerful instrument, a Spearow's hooked beak is rarely used for attacks, but rather for tearing meat after it has made its kill or detected the remains of one. Spearow primarily eat carrion, and can be seen picking at the corpses of larger Pokémon. They are opportunistic carnivores, and will attack and consume any Pokémon species that they can overpower. As is common with most bird- Pokémon, the female Spearow is significantly larger than the male. This phenomenon is known as sexual dimorphism, and prevents resource competition between the sexes. Female Spearow typically huni and kill prey that is too large or strong for the males to cope with. BEHAVIOR Spearow nest seasonally, and lay eggs in pairs, often several days apart. One chick always hatches early, giving it a significant physical advantage over its late sibling. If the parents are unable to bring sufficient food for both chicks, the older chick will bully the younger, weaker one until it dies of starvation. This ensures that during lean years with limited food, at least one chick is likely to survive. Spearow have a well-deserved reputation for aggression, and often attack humans that venture into their territories. Spearow are even known to raid the nests of other bird- Pokémon, carrying away eggs and smashing them on rocks in order to feed on their nutritious yolks. It is common for Spearow to intimidate, harass, and steal from other Pokémon. SIZE Height: 0.5m Weight: 2kg Wingspan: 1.1m Tail Length: 0.2m LIFESTYLE Diurnal, highly social Carrion Habitat: Mountains and plains Lifespan: Id years ABILITIES Flight speed: 60kmtkRigid head crest, Tail feathers Razored beak Aves rostro longus Pg. 43FEAROW CHARACTERISTICS Fearow are aerial, alpha raptors characterized by their large size and powerful talons. Fearow possess elongated, forward-facing heads that terminate with a sharp harpoon-like beak. Their heads crest in rough, brightly colored plumage that helps stabilize their long necks in flight. Fearow are efficient acrial predators for a variety of large mammalian Pokémon. They are the primary predator of Vulpix (pg. 73), and are immune to their formidable chemical defenses. Fearow have binocular vision, and their large slanted eyes are fixed in their sockets, so they must turn their entire head to look around. PHYSIOLOGY Fearow's wingspan is among the largest of all known flying Pokémon at over 400 cm. Their wings are stiff and covered with coarse feathers along the edges. These adaptations make them highly efficient flyers, and allow Fearow to soar for hours while searching for prey, flapping only occasionally to maintain altitude. Fearow's soaring is aided by a sheet of tendons called a shoulder-lock that holds the wing rigid when extended. BEHAVIOR Fearow have a varied diet that includes insect, mammalian, and even other bird-type Pokémon. They swoop down and pluck small Pokémon from open ground, or flush them from cover by beating their large wings. Larger prey is chased down and exhausted until it can be pecked to death and consumed. Armored Pokémon like Squirtle (pg. 13) or Metapod (pg. 21) are bashed repeatedly against the ground or dropped from high altitude until they are killed. Fearow can be found in almost every climate, and adapt easily to new prey sources. They have no natural predators, but are known to compete with Pidgeot (pg. 35) for territory. Both large bird-Pokémon depend on the same food resources, and will violently clash in an attempt to chase the other away. Fearow typically triumph in one-on-one conflicts, but can be easily chased off or killed hy several Pidgeot working together, Heigl Weight: 40k Wingspan: 4m LIFESTYLE Habit: Diurnal, typically social Diet: Carnivorous; carrion and Pokémon Habitat: Mountains and plains BREEDINGThick scales for burrowing Conspicuous warning coloration Forked tongue Thin ribs Anguis venenatorum Pg. 45EKANS CHARACTERISTICS Exkans are limbless reptilian Pokémon commonly found in forests and grassland worldwide, and are powerful predators that subdue their prey with a neurotoxic venom, An Ekans is recognized by its distinctive wail rattle, which it shakes loudly before striking. This defensive adaptation gives other Pokémon a chance to retreat, and prevents Ekans from wasting venom on non-prey organisms, PHYSIOLOGY The ratile itself is comprised of hollow, interlocking keratin segments that clack together when shaken. Every time Ekans sheds its skin, the rattle gains a segment, allowing for a louder warning, The ratile continues to grow until Ekan's development into Arbok, whereupon it is permanently shed. Ekan's venom is among the most potent of all known Pokémon species, containing a powerful presynaptic neurotoxin that causes severe paralysis, Because of this, other large Pokémon typically avoid Ekans, leaving them with very few natural predators. BEHAVIOR During mating season, females secrete small amounts of sex pheromones, leaving a trail the males follow using their forked tongue, conveying the scent to the yomeronasal organs in their mouths, Once a receptive female has been located, multiple male Ekans will spend several days following her around, rubbing their bodies on her in an attempt to initiate courtship. During this period, the eager males engage in "combat dances", which consist of two Ekans intertwining and attempting to use their muscular strength to push the other to the ground. The larger males usually end up driving the smaller males away, increasing their chances of mating with the female. Outside of this season, Ekans rarely socialize with others of their species, living and hunting alone. Only the mother Ekans stays to brood over her eggs until they hatch. Nocturnal, solitary Diet: Carnivorous; smali pokemon Habitat: Forests and grasslands Lifespan: 1-6 years ABILITIES Venom Projection: 2m Strike Speed: 8 Skmih } |_ Venom Strength: LD, 10mgWarning spots Seaor Body segment Ratile-tess tail tip Expansive body cavity Anguis regis Pg. 47ARBOK CHARACTERISTICS Arbok are mighty apodal predators that use their immense bodies and copious amounts of potent venom to overpower and consume other Pokémon. They track prey by tasting the air with their forked tongues, and move silently by using "scoots": large specialized scales that run the width of their bodies. Each scoot is attached to a rib and grips the ground independently of other scales. By utilizing these in sequence, Arbok can propel themselves forward at up to 25 kilometers per hour. However, they cannot move backward due to the overlapping nature of their belly scales, A similar mechanism controls Arhok's characteristic and menacing hood. Arbok displays it when startled, rearing up and spreading the flexible bands of tissue between bones along its neck, Like Ekans’ rattle, this intimidating display is intended to repel intruders without requiring the Pokémon to strike and waste precious venom. PHYSIOLOGY Arbok have highly-developed venom delivery mechanisms. Along either side of its head is a specialized duct that carries venom from gland t0 fang. The fang itself is a hollow tooth like a hypodermic needle. Arbok's fangs are sheathed in muscular tissue affixed to the jaw bone. When its mouth opens, the ts fang is reflexively erected and venom begins to flow. When the Arbok bites, the muscles surrounding its venom gland contract, discharging large quantities of venom. Arbok is capable of swallowing prey whole, dislocating its jaw to gradually work a meal into their long stomachs, This process can take several hours for Pokémon sized similarly to Arbok itself. BEHAVIOR Uniike their less-evolved form, Arbok are active mostly at night and seldom seen by humans. They tend to reside in undisturbed forests and bamboo thickets, far from human settlements. Their only natural predators are flying Pokémon, which can swoop suddenly from above to avoid Arbok's deadly strikes. SIZE Length: 4m Weight: 70kg LIFESTYLE Habit: Nocturnal, solitary Diet: Carnivorous; small pokemon Habitat: Forests and grasslands Lifespan: 7-14 years BREEDING Sexual Maturity: 1 year Mating Season: Late winter, early spring Egg Incubation: 2-3 months | Clutch Size: 25 eggs eSWarning coloration Prinvary lateral electroeyte Antenna Internal ear Tail eusculature Secandary electrocyte f Lungs Small intestine Extomat oblique Knee joint Small three-toed feet Mus fulgur Pg. 49PIKACHU CHARACTERISTICS Small, adaptable, rodent-like Pokémon notable for their electrical abilities, Pikachu are covered in bright yellow fur with brown accents on the tips of their antennae. Their tail is used for balance when standing upright and can signal the creature's mood. They are omnivorous, but with small mouths, blunted teeth, and clumsy paws, Pikachu can only eat meat opportunistically. Deceptively clumsy and top-heavy, the Pikachu is capable of rapid bursts of strength and agility when threatened, running on all fours at speeds up to 10 meters per second. They are preyed upon by a variety of larger Pokémon species, and are skittish by nature. Because of this, Pikachu are notoriously difficult to domesticate and are likely to attack and electrocute humans who attempt to train them, PHYSIOLOGY Pikachu's electrical abilities are well known, and originate from the two thick antenna atop their heads. Often mistaken for ears, these protrusions are actually made up of tightly-wound electrocytes. Sodium ions can flow through this structure at will, causing a sudden change in electric potential, to generate powerful currents. Secondary electrocyte ganglia in Pikachu's chest can be utilized in sequence to deliver high voltage charges. While unlikely to be lethal to adult humans, these bursts of electricity are sufficient to stun or deter most other Pokémon. BEHAVIOR In the wild, Pikachu live in tight-knit communities of up to 30 individuals with very little hierarchy, reproducing year round. Those in the same group tend eggs and raise children collectively and groom each other. They prefer to flee when frightened, but a serious threat can cause a group of Pikachu to rally to a deadly defense. Just two dozen of these creatures working together can deliver enough electricity to kill a full grown Onix (pg. 189). SIZE Height: 0.5m z Weight: 6 25kg 1 — Tail Length: 0.3m LIFESTYLE Habit: Nocturnal, very social Diet: Omnivorous ABILITIES Charge: 500 volts Electric field range: 10m Dodge speed: 12km/h am Jumping HeiglCartitoge Broad electro conductive pad Parallel Electrocyte Digitigrade foot Mus tontrui Pg. 51THANK YOU FOR READING I ‘hope you've enjoyed your 62-page free excerpt from. : POKENATOMY The full book has 127 additional Pokémon to enjoy and is shipping in early Summer 2017 This project required thousands of hours of research, writing, and illustration and would have been impossible without the support of people like you! If you enjoy this work please consider purchasing the full 316 page physical book or donating a few dollars on Patreon where 1 deconstruct new Pokémon and pop-culture figures every week. ‘See more of my work at www.stollart.com or contact me at- stollarn@icloud.com All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2017 Outside of academic or educational settings, you may not replicate, reproduce, or display any of this book's ariginal content without permission. Or steal my doz.I Osiransrnrntga| A Ne Z a =