77,624
edits
Pokémon (species): Difference between revisions
m
→History
(→Intro) |
m (→History) |
||
| (18 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File: | [[File:20th Anniversary Magazine Ad SM.jpg|thumb|300px|The first 721 different species in a promotion for the franchise's 20th anniversary]] | ||
'''Pokémon''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター''' ''Pocket Monsters''; '''ポケモン''' ''Pokémon'' for short) are fictional creatures that are central to the [[Pokémon]] franchise. | '''Pokémon''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター''' ''Pocket Monsters''; '''ポケモン''' ''Pokémon'' for short) are fictional creatures that are central to the [[Pokémon]] franchise. Many new species of Pokémon are often introduced simultaneously with the promotion and release of new games. | ||
==Terminology== | |||
In the [[Pokémon world]], the word "{{wp|species}}" is not used exactly the same as in real-world biology, where it would refer to a group of organisms that can have fertile offspring (unlike the {{pkmn|breeding}} between different Pokémon species), and a real-life organism would not change between different species. A Pokémon can change species by means of [[evolution]], which more closely resembles growth and development or metamorphosis rather than {{wp|evolution|evolution in the real world}}. | |||
Each species has a [[List of Pokémon by name|name]] starting with a capital letter, such as "{{p|Pikachu}}." The species name is also often used in the singular form referring collectively to members of that species, such as "{{p|Pikachu}} is an {{type|Electric}} Pokémon." The plural form of the species is the same as the singular, such as "two {{p|Pikachu}}." In some early Pokémon media, certain [[List of nonstandard species plurals|incorrect plurals]] such as "{{p|Diglett}}s" were occasionally used. | |||
An individual Pokémon is usually known by the current species same as well, such as "Pikachu used {{m|Thunder Shock}}." However, some individual Pokémon have [[nickname]]s instead. | |||
In Japanese, the Pokémon species are written in katakana, and they also have official romanizations. For instance: {{p|Onix}} (Japanese: イワーク ''Iwark''). | |||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
There are currently [[List of Pokémon by National Pokédex number|{{numpkmn}} known species]] that inhabit the [[Pokémon world]] | There are currently [[List of Pokémon by National Pokédex number|{{numpkmn}} known Pokémon species]] that inhabit the [[Pokémon world]]. They take up many [[shape]]s and [[Size and weight variation|size]]s, resembling animals and living creatures in the real world. However, they possess several fantastic powers not demonstrated by most real animals, including the manipulation of aspects of the material world, such as {{t|electric}}ity or {{t|fire}}, each having their own [[type]] and [[Pokémon category|categories]]. It is implied that there are more Pokémon always waiting to be discovered beyond the current count. | ||
While most Pokémon resemble animals and may behave like them, there are many that do not resemble animals at all, taking on other forms such as plants, inanimate objects, machines, human-like forms, or other more enigmatic and exotic appearances. Pokémon inhabit an extremely diverse range of habitats, ranging from the driest [[desert]]s to the lushest jungles, the deepest oceans to the highest {{cat|mountains}} and everything else in between, even [[Extraterrestrial Pokémon|outer space]] and other [[dimension]]s. Pokémon take up various ways of living in those places. There are many uses to spending time with Pokémon; some people take them in as pets, some study them, but all Pokémon can be befriended and made into potential allies. A common symbol of partnership between human and Pokémon is often met by putting the creature into a [[Poké Ball]], in which all share the ability to shrink down small enough to fit into. Many people who raise Pokémon are called [[Pokémon Trainer]]s, people who dedicate their lives to Pokémon, participating in multiple activities involving the species. Not all Pokémon Trainers are seen as kind towards these creatures, and many [[villainous team|villainous organization]]s seek to use Pokémon in malicious ways. | |||
Many Pokémon are able to [[evolution|evolve]] from or into other Pokémon species, a process that typically makes them larger and stronger. Evolution can be seen as a form of maturity in certain species, but not all. In some cases, this process can be reverted by [[devolution]]. Most Pokémon by nature are known to compete in [[Pokémon battle]]s. These battles may be for sport among human-owned Pokémon or for survival and protection between wild Pokémon. In these battles, Pokémon use techniques called [[move]]s, that they can use within the fight or elsewhere, either to defend themselves or their Trainer, or to perform a task. Beyond their normal [[type]]d attributes and moves, many Pokémon posses other traits that can be triggered or used passively. These traits are called [[Abilities]], which a Pokémon may activate once certain conditions are met. Another function some Pokémon may have, similar to that of evolution, is a change in appearances called a [[form]]. Some Pokémon may be able to change their form, while some may have one as a distinction between others of the same species. In the games, each Pokémon has a distinct voice associated with each individual species or form known as a [[cry]], while in the anime, most Pokémon are known only to say their name. | |||
There are many forms of food that Pokémon may eat, including one another as prey. However, Pokémon Trainers may offer different types of treats and natural items such as [[Berries]] to their Pokémon. Additionally, many plant-like Pokémon and {{p|Heliolisk}} are able to photosynthesize. Many Pokémon are known to reproduce by producing {{pkmn|Egg}}s, though it is unknown how these eggs are formed or where they come from. There are also many [[Artificial Pokémon|man-made]] and human-influenced Pokémon that have been created by other means, such as {{p|Mewtwo}}, {{p|Porygon}} or {{p|Trubbish}}. There are multiple categories and variations that Pokémon may fall under as well, which describe certain groups and relationships Pokémon may have with each other. Some examples include [[Legendary Pokémon]], [[Mythical Pokémon]], [[Paradox Pokémon]], [[Ultra Beast]]s, and [[Fossil|Fossil Pokémon]]. Pokémon who have artifically had the doors to their hearts shut are known as [[Shadow Pokémon]]. | |||
==In the core series games== | |||
[[File:Gen VII Pseudo Legendary Artwork.png|thumb|250px|Several [[pseudo-legendary Pokémon]] that are part of an evolutionary chain]] | |||
Pokémon have been, from the very beginning of the franchise, are spoken of as friends and partners to the [[human]]s of the [[Pokémon world]], helping them with various tasks from constructing buildings to exploration. Many people in the Pokémon world take Pokémon with them on a {{pkmn|journey}} to gather [[Badge]]s and compete in the various [[Pokémon League]]s as {{pkmn|Trainer}}s, using them in battles against Pokémon both owned by other Trainers and found in the {{pkmn2|wild}}. In the [[Alola]] [[region]], Pokémon and Trainers instead take on trials in the [[island challenge]] on their journey. In addition, there are many different {{cat|Pokémon competitions|tournaments}} in which Trainers can compete together with their Pokémon, such as [[Pokémon Contest]]s and the [[Pokéathlon]]. | |||
Across the nine [[generation]]s of {{pkmn|games}}, Pokémon are found in multiple ways including: encountering them in [[tall grass]] or out in the open, finding them in [[cave]]s or {{cat|ruins}}, going [[fishing]] for them, {{m|surf}}ing on water, using [[field move]]s or [[item]]s on certain objects, [[gift Pokémon|gifted]] by an [[Non-player character|NPC]] or [[In-game trade|traded]] with an NPC or another player. These are often joined by several more ways in which to encounter Pokémon, such as: obtaining and hatching {{pkmn|Egg}}s, using the [[Poké Radar]], participating in [[Raid Battle]]s, being [[ambush encounter|ambushed]], or attracting them with [[Lure]]s, {{m|Sweet Scent}} or [[Honey]]. Multiple games allow for the {{player}} to encounter multiple Pokémon at once through [[double battle]]s or in [[horde encounter]]s, while some may be called upon by another in [[SOS Battle]]s. | |||
===History=== | |||
Pokémon have existed since ancient times. It's said that {{p|Arceus}}, is known to be the first Pokémon in existence, while {{p|Mew}} is known to be a common a ancestor among all naturally born Pokémon. Pokémon in the dinosauric past have since [[fossil|fossilized]] and gone extinct, but many can still be revived in the modern day. | |||
Along time ago, according to [[Sinnoh myths|myths]] found in the [[Sinnoh]] [[region]], Pokémon were once considered to be the same as people, being respected and ate food at the same table. Beyond this however, there also became a time where Pokémon and humans were considered vastly different and lived separate lives. As shown in {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, the Sinnoh region, originally named [[Hisui]], Pokémon were feared as monsters and villages were often built to hide and defend from Pokémon. Despite this, some cultures saw Pokémon as friends and partners and would live with Pokémon, including within the [[Diamond Clan|Diamond]] and [[Pearl Clan]]s or in other regions such as [[Alola]]. At this time, other regions, such as [[Kanto]] have also found ways to tame [[wild Pokémon]]. | |||
Many Pokémon are | Many civilizations built religion and cultures based on beliefs around Pokémon, framing some as all-powerful gods and deities, other seen as sacred and noble. Many times, these Pokémon are [[Legendary Pokémon|Legendary]] or [[Mythical Pokémon|Mythical]]. The people of Hisui, the [[Celestica people]], worshiped a god known as "Almighty Sinnoh", a Pokémon named {{ga|Arceus}} who they believed had created everything, as well as {{p|Dialga}} and {{p|Palkia}} who they believed controlled time and space respectively. The [[Draconid people]] in [[Hoenn]] worshiped a Pokémon known as {{p|Rayquaza}}, referred to as the Dragon Lord, after it had saved the world from the destruction of the world caused by [[Primal Reversion|Primal]] {{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}}. In Alola, and still done in the modern day, festivals and parties are given out to the [[guardian deities]], four Pokémon who are known to protect the island that they inhabit. While typically these praised Pokémon are Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, many are not—including [[noble Pokémon|noble]] and [[Totem Pokémon]], who still actively take part in a region's culture and identity. Normal everyday Pokémon such as {{p|Bronzor}} have also historically been considered sacred. | ||
As more research has developed on Pokémon, people eventually began to trust them and work along side them. A Pokémon Trainer is a common position for humans, who seek to train Pokémon and better understand them, being a primary focus of the core-series. A [[Pokédex]] is often used to record information on Pokémon, giving the owner better understanding of a Pokémon's ecology. Pokémon are also still used in fields beyond just training and studying, they can be seen as a use of travel in the form of [[Ride Pokémon]], or as form of help by clearing trees or solving puzzles by using [[field move]]s. | |||
Pokémon | |||
Many games also focus on the origins many Pokémon may have and where they come from. | |||
===Construction=== | ===Construction=== | ||
In the games, Pokémon are no more than fragments of data, identifying certain characteristics inherent to them. As the games have progressed, more data is added to each Pokémon, typically to reference new features introduced in games of the new generation. | In the games, Pokémon are no more than fragments of data, identifying certain characteristics inherent to them. As the games have progressed, more data is added to each Pokémon, typically to reference new features introduced in games of the new generation. | ||
The methodology for construction of Pokémon data changes across generations. For the different constructions, see the data structure explanations for | The methodology for construction of Pokémon data changes across generations. For the different constructions, see the data structure explanations for: | ||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|I|Generation I}} | |||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|II|Generation II}} | |||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|III|Generation III}} | |||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|IV|Generation IV}} | |||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|V|Generation V}} | |||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|VI|Generation VI}} | |||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|VII|Generation VII}} | |||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|VIII|Generation VIII}} | |||
* {{gdis|Pokémon data structure|VIII|Generation IX}} | |||
==In the spin-off games== | ==In the spin-off games== | ||
| Line 37: | Line 68: | ||
The guidebook ''[[Pocket Monsters: The Animation]]'' gave a bit more detail on the Pokémon. Specifically, they were rumored to have been created by God on {{wp|Book of Genesis|the seventh day of creation}} as "doodles", and since they were created on holiday, they were commanded to neither rule over nor be ruled by humanity. It also inferred that they had some relation to merpeople and dragon myths, and that their species was discovered by a French nobleman named Count Tajirin (a subtle reference to franchise creator [[Satoshi Tajiri]]) during the 18th century. | The guidebook ''[[Pocket Monsters: The Animation]]'' gave a bit more detail on the Pokémon. Specifically, they were rumored to have been created by God on {{wp|Book of Genesis|the seventh day of creation}} as "doodles", and since they were created on holiday, they were commanded to neither rule over nor be ruled by humanity. It also inferred that they had some relation to merpeople and dragon myths, and that their species was discovered by a French nobleman named Count Tajirin (a subtle reference to franchise creator [[Satoshi Tajiri]]) during the 18th century. | ||
==In the novels== | |||
===Pocket Monsters: The Animation=== | |||
{{main|Pokémon world (PMTA)#Pokémon and animals|Pokémon world (PMTA) → Pokémon and animals}} | |||
In [[Pocket Monsters: The Animation]], it is said that Pokémon and [[Animals in the Pokémon world|animals]] may be related to each other. As an example, it is said that cats and lions are related by evolution, and that {{p|Meowth}} may be related to cats as well. | |||
In 1925, the technology to store Pokémon in small objects such as {{i|Poké Ball|Poké Balls}} or capsules was invented by Professor Nishinomori. The name "Pokémon" was introduced after this invention, as it was not possible to store them in pockets before. However, it is not know what Pokémon were called before this word was coined. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 42: | Line 81: | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Pokémon individuality}} | |||
{{ | {{Pokémon world}} | ||
{{-}} | |||
{{Project Pokédex notice}} | {{Project Pokédex notice}} | ||
[[Category:Pokémon|*]] | [[Category:Pokémon|*]] | ||