Evolution of Pokémon Types



  Every Pokémon species and every Pokémon move has a 'type' or element associated with it; there are 17 distinguishable elements. There are a mixture of evolutionary histories behind each type and varying routes towards the evolution of a particular type. Grass Pokémon for instance are an example of convergent evolution with the plant kingdom, in which many Pokémon species have developed the cellular components necessary for photosynthesis. Other types may have come about as adaptations to harsh but consistent environments, such as Ice, Fire or Ground Pokémon. Types such as Fighting and Dark may have evolved through sexual selection pressures such as mate competition or conspecific hierarchies. Normal, Bug, and Flying typed Pokémon are not elements as such, but rather their type is defined by their physical nature, for example, the possession of wings for a Flying-typed Pokémon. Pokémon may be single or dual typed; Pokémon with two types may have originally had a primary type, and over evolutionary time may have developed a second type via inter-type breeding or environmental pressures. This theory, in conjunction with the 'ontogeny' theory can be observed with the earlier forms of an evolutionary family having a single element, and the more advanced/derived ancestors having a secondary type, presumably imposed by a more recent selection pressure.





Pokémon Moves and Type Combinations



  Pokémon moves are generally categorised as either physical, ‘special’ or less frequently as ‘status’. Physical moves are those that involve the physical contact of the attacking Pokémon’s body against the foe; special moves are those that injure the foe without direct contact, e.g. a jet of water. Status moves are the least common – these are moves that affect the battle, primarily in a strategic manner with no direct harmful effects on the opposing Pokémon. Although status moves are the least common type of technique, they produce an extremely diverse set of effects.  Some status moves can induce super speed, paralyse the foe, produce mass illusory copies of an individual, and even increase the intensity of incident sunlight. Due to the extreme use of energy and other bodily resources required to perform moves, Pokémon only have a limited number of times they can use each move. Intuitively, the more resources required for a technique, the fewer times it can be used; Hydro Pump is an example of a resource draining Water-type move, enormous volumes of water are blasted at the foe, this technique can be used very few times before replenishment is required.
 

  Unlike Pokémon species that may be single or dual-typed, moves performed by Pokémon are restricted to a single element. The outcome of a move-opponent interaction is dependent on the type(s) of the targeted Pokémon and their vulnerability or resistance towards the attacking move.

 

Particular element-bound moves may have either:
- A small and ineffective effect (termed ‘not very effective’)
- A damaging (standard) effect
- A specifically powerful effect (termed ‘super effective’)
- No effect on an opponent Pokémon at all (termed ‘no effect’)



  An obvious example is a Water move directed at a Fire-typed Pokémon; water will starve the Fire Pokémon of the oxygen necessary to perform, thus this move choice would be classed as specifically powerful or 'super effective'. Intuitively, a Fire-typed move directed back towards a Water Pokémon will produce a smaller amount of damage (NB. although this particular 'super effective/not very effective' relationship can be reversed, many type interactions are not reversible). A Ground-typed attack directed at a Flying Pokémon (regardless of the secondary type of the Flying Pokémon) will not reach the opponent, as it is air-borne, thus it will have no effect whatsoever. The final type of interaction is a standard attack in which the defending Pokémon is neither vulnerable, nor impervious to the move, and a standard amount of damage is dealt, e.g. a Ground Pokémon attacked by a Fire move. The vulnerabilities of a dual typed Pokémon are dictated by the 'average' effect of their two types. Water is 'not very effective’ against the Grass type, however Water is ‘super effective’ against the Ground type; if a water attack was directed towards a dual Grass/Ground-typed Pokémon, the net result would be a standard attack - due to a cancellation of the two extreme effects. Pokémon species with a single type have the advantage of a reduced number of vulnerabilities; conversely, dual-typed Pokémon species have more vulnerabilities, but also more resistances.



​  Although many moves have defined titles or names, Pokémon are capable of producing attacks that do not fall under a specific name. The development of a ‘title’ for each move is thought to have classically developed between the Pokémon and it’s trainer as a short hand for efficient battling; in the past, terms varied depending on region, trainer and Pokémon species. Linguistic evolution led to these short hand terms (used to define every technique each species can perform) eventually becoming standard nomenclature, used relatively uniformly between all regions. Pokémon can recognise any order given by the trainer to perform a particular technique, as long as they know, or are capable, of performing the move.

 

  The outcome of Pokémon/move type match ups (such as a super-effective interaction), may be due to inherent chemical interactions, i.e. Water vs. Fire; the outcome of other type match ups may have arisen from co-evolved relationships, like Fighting vs. Normal Pokémon. Although the outcome of type match up relationships has evolved between Pokémon species of different types, individual moves exhibit the same outcomes, independent of the species or type of the Pokémon using the move. For example, a Water-typed move will remain ‘super effective’ against a Fire Pokémon, whether it is performed by a Water-typed Pokémon or otherwise, this is due to the inherent advantage of Water over Fire, not because of the Water-typed Pokémon using the move (see, ‘STAB’ below). This phenomenon is an outcome of the evolutionary history of different species and the moves they have developed to survive and outcompete other species. Different groups of Pokémon species developed each of their types, and their characteristic moves, due to interactions with the environment and other species. Every move of each Pokémon type evolved through slight mutations in the genomes of individuals. Over time these slight beneficial mutations accumulate and spread throughout the population. These beneficial genes are then passed down to descendants, however can also be passed across to other species, via bacterial and viral vectors (horizontal evolution). In this way, adaptations that resulted in the evolution of particular types or moves are still effective, and largely have the same impact regardless of the Pokémon bearing the genetic information (Figure 1 to be inserted). This holds true with the exception of the same-type attack bonus.

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STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus)
  Pokémon, like animals, are optimized to perform best in the environmental conditions that influenced their evolution. Similarly, moves of a given type/element performed by Pokémon of the same type are especially powerful, e.g. a Bug-typed Pokémon performing a Bug-typed move such as Bug Buzz (Figure 2), this is known as the 'same-type attack bonus' (STAB). Trainers often focus their Pokémon team towards learning moves whose type corresponds with that of the individual species. It is often advantageous for wild Pokémon, or those in a team, to know non-STAB moves and bewilder the foe with a variety of unexpected techniques. 





Normal



  Normal-typed Pokémon generally have a similar appearance to many members of the animal kingdom. This group is thought to represent the ancestral state of most species; Fire, Water, and all other types of species likely evolved from ancestors whose abilities and physiology resembled those of modern day Normal-typed Pokémon. Normal Pokémon (as with all types) are able to breed with different typed Pokémon from the same egg group; over evolutionary time these hybridisations resulted in Normal-typed species possessing moves of many other types of Pokémon. Many Normal Pokémon migrate around Unova at various points in their lifecycle; juveniles tend to develop around the south-eastern areas of Unova. As these immature populations battle, develop and grow they move 'clockwise' around the region and settle into ecosystems of Pokémon with similar experience levels. Pokémon of other types also undergo similar migratory patterns to maintain optimum competition for experience and mates; the nature of these migrations is analogous to a tournament, in which weaker Pokémon remain and victors proceed.

 

  Normal-typed moves exhibit both the largest repertoire and the largest diversity of effects. Supporting the 'Normal-typed ancestor' hypothesis, Normal-typed moves are often the first moves learnt by larvae from any species. Many Normal techniques are basic, default moves and do not require any specialisation (such as photosynthetic cells etc.) however some are powerful, very specific moves (Figure 3 to be inserted). Some Normal-typed clades may represent evolutionary transitions towards a completely new ‘type’, for instance, a number of independent Pokémon families harness sound for various offensive and defensive techniques (Figure 3 to be inserted). Although these groups represent the evolution of an entirely new type; in some species, the later stages of an evolutionary family may possess adaptations, reminiscent of other types. Later stages of the dinosaur-like treecko family (purely Grass-typed Pokémon) are behaviourally predisposed to gliding between trees and possess adaptations to do so, however are not part Flying-type; Pokémon groups like these allow scientists to study the pressures necessary in the evolution of particular types. 

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  Similar to Normal-typed moves, Normal-typed Pokémon are a melting pot, in which moves or Pokémon with no obvious type affiliation are labelled. Normal-typed Pokémon are the only species that have no specific advantages against any other type. Due to the often physical nature of Normal-typed moves, they are unable to affect Ghost-typed Pokémon. Conversely, Ghost-typed moves are also unable to affect Normal Pokémon. Almost all Normal Pokémon that have a secondary type are partially Flying (Figure 4). On average Normal-typed Pokémon have greater endurances and a high-tolerance for prolonged battling.





Advantages


Super effective - none

Resistances - none
Immunity - Ghost





Fire



  To maintain heat, the cells of endothermic organisms such as mammals and birds produce energy, in the form of heat, as a by-product of normal metabolic activity; the metabolic rate of Fire Pokémon is far higher than that of any animal species. The body temperature, Tb, of Fire-typed Pokémon is extremely high and must be maintained for survival. Many Fire-typed Pokémon have evolved around extremely hot environments such as deserts and volcanic regions. These extreme environmental temperatures maintain the internal body temperatures of Fire Pokémon, therefore energy needn't be expended maintaining the Tb of individuals in these environments. When exposed to a temperate environment with a much lower ambient temperature than the Tb of Fire types, Pokémon must maintain their high body temperature by consuming large amounts of food. Due to their endothermic nature, the consumption of food liberates extreme amounts of heat internally, and consequently, externally to the environment.

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  Some Pokémon have exocrine glands that excrete various hormones and gaseous pheromones, these flammable vapours are visible on some species of Fire Pokémon with seemingly perpetual flames emitting from their surface. Although not completely understood, particular Fire species have an internal flame that uses food and other products as energy to produce external flames. This engine-like digestive system must have an extremely stable insulating material, similar to the mucosal lining of the hydrochloric acid filled mammalian stomach. Fire Pokémon often discharge scorching flames towards opponents (special moves), or engulf body parts in flame then launch physical attacks - foes may be left burnt after an attack by a Fire Pokémon (Figure 5 to be inserted). On average, Fire-typed Pokémon have powerful special attacks. Fire moves are especially damaging towards Grass and Bug Pokémon, which are vulnerable to heat and flammability. Steel and Ice-typed Pokémon can melt or become disfigured when they defend against Fire moves.

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Advantages


Super effective - Grass, Steel, Ice & Bug
Resistances - Fire, Grass, Steel, Ice & Bug
Immunity - none





Water



  Water Pokémon have numerous adaptations for life in aquatic environments and for the efficient manipulation of water. The respiratory system of Water Pokémon is refined to taking in large amounts of atmospheric oxygen and releasing large amounts of excretory products, i.e. carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Water Pokémon are also able to condense and store large amounts of atmospheric water vapour during inhalation; the cellular water content (although high in other organisms) is higher in water Pokémon. Thus, similar to camels of the animal kingdom, Water Pokémon can store excess water in their dilute somatic and blood cells, bringing it out of solution when necessary. Water Pokémon may be confined strictly to the water, not at all, or an amphibious in-between. Exclusively water dwelling Pokémon are not able to battle on land, however terrestrial Water Pokémon may battle in either. Most Water Pokémon are blue in colouration; their blue colour is due to both a high cellular concentration of water reflecting the sky, and in some cases, blue melanocytes in their skin that aid in aquatic camouflage (Figure 6).

 

  Most attacks performed by Water Pokémon are powerful deliveries of highly compressed water (pumps, waves etc.), used offensively towards opponents and are therefore classed as 'special' attacks. The often high pressure, deluge delivery associated with Water-typed moves causes  these techniques to be super effective in their effects against Fire, Ground and Rock Pokémon. These attacks are capable of penetrating and rendering the bodies of Ground and Rock-typed Pokémon less efficient. Water attacks effectively lower the internal body temperature of Fire-typed Pokémon and starve the commonly flaming body of Fire Pokémon of oxygen. Water Pokémon are the most speciose of all types of Pokémon, often inhabiting extreme environments such as within deep oceanic trenches. Water moves also integrate the expansive release of CO2 by creating jets of bubbles within the water they exhale (Figure 7 to be inserted). Scientists have hypothesised that water Pokémon can expel their excess carbon dioxide to precipitate atmospheric water, create clouds and produce rain.





Advantages
 

Super effective - Fire, Ground & Rock
Resistances - Fire, Ice, Steel & Water
Immunity - none





Electric

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  The generation of electricity is thought to have initially evolved for use in locating prey, similar to echolocation, and for communicating with conspecifics. Nerve cells and muscle cells, such as those in the heart, naturally generate electrical impulses. Electrocytes (cells specialised to electricity generation) are derived from muscle cells (myocytes) in some species, or modified nerve cells in others. A nervous centre controls the simultaneous firing of the electrocytes of Electric Pokémon; this can be stimulated consciously, and at the request of the trainer. Electrical discharges generated by fauna are species-specific, i.e. each species has a distinctly different electrical current. This fact lends credence to the notion of electric generation evolving for the purpose of species specific communication.

  Electric Pokémon, like Fire Pokémon, have an extremely high metabolic rate, that is – the rate at which they generate heat from food. Organisms with a high metabolic rate require large amounts of food to facilitate their energy requirements. On average, Electric Pokémon have a higher speed and special attack statistic owing to their highly specialised electricity-generating muscles. Many powerful Electric species generate positively charged leader channels high into the atmosphere leading to frequent lightning incidences. Such species have evolved mechanisms to withstand and store atmospheric lightning strikes. Lightning and other electrical phenomena are often utilised by these Pokémon offensively to shock and fry opposing Pokémon (Figure 8 to be inserted). Flying and Water-typed Pokémon are especially vulnerable to Electric moves due to either no-ground contact, and the high conductivity of water respectively.

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Advantages
 

Super effective - Water & Flying
Resistances - Electric, Flying & Steel
Immunity - none





Grass



  Grass Pokémon vary widely in their association with plants. Some Grass Pokémon form mutualistic symbioses with plants, in which the plant provides the Pokémon with sugars and energy, and in return the Pokémon aids the plant in pollen and seed dispersal. Many grass Pokémon have photosynthetic cells containing chlorophyll that generate energy for the Pokémon, these may be concentrated in specialized organs on the Pokémon such as leaves or vines (Figure 9). Grass moves often utilise Sun light to generate energy, or use various plant components to attack the opponent. Some Pokémon have developed cellulose and other components that give their cell walls rigidity, similar to members of the plant kingdom. Members of the grass family, Poaceae (Kingdom: Plantae) are extremely efficient at carbon dioxide intake via their stomatal pores (openings on the underside of leaves involved in photosynthesis). Many of the later stages of evolutionary families possess this form of photosynthesis, known as the C4 pathway. Basic (larval form) Grass-typed Pokémon, often have less-efficient biochemical pathways for fixing carbon such as the C3 pathway.
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  Physical Grass-typed attacks involve the projectile/melee use of seeds, branches, thorns, vines, and leaves which are especially destructive considering the tough cellular structure of Grass Pokémon (Figure 10 to be inserted). Special attacks may involve energy transfer between the immediate environment, the opponent and the user, often by leeching nutrients from foes. Fine excretions such as pollen and spores (fungi related) are also used to affect status and absorb energy, even inducing slowed movement, sleep and paralysis instantly in foes. The Sun is fundamental for Grass Pokémon; many moves use the Sun’s energy to regenerate or to concentrate and use the waves offensively; some species are even capable of intensifying radiating sunlight to improve their performance. Unlike organisms of the fungi kingdom, which are more closely related to animals than plants, Pokémon that resemble, or bear fungi are capable of photosynthesis and other plant-related attacks.
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  It is theorised that in prehistoric times, many Grass Pokémon were initially herbivorous Pokémon (likely Normal and Bug-typed) that consumed large amounts of plant-products. The composition of Grass Pokémon cells suggests that at a number of points in the past, genetic material from plants or algae may have become integrated with that of the herbivorous Pokémon. Over evolutionary time many species have mutated different plant organs or at least developed different associations with plants. The energetic and fitness benefits of these associations were likely immense and caused a radiation (in evolutionary terms) of these groups of Pokémon leading to rich diversity of current Grass species. This theory is tentatively supported by the large amounts of Pokémon species that are Bug-typed herbivores and the animal, Elysia sp. (Class: Gastropoda) that possesses algae genes capable of maintaining functional chloroplasts. Alike Grass-typed Pokémon, organisms of the plant kingdom have a rich evolutionary history with ground, rock and water. The evolutionary history of plants has sculpted their physiology towards breaking down rocky substrates thus generating fertile soils capable of root and subsequent water penetration. Structures and physiological adaptations enabling these processes are present in Grass-typed Pokémon. The roots and appendages of Grass Pokémon are specialised to constricting and destructing Ground and Rock tissue and are highly effective at using Water Pokémon as a growth substrate.​



Advantages
 

Super effective - Ground, Rock & Water
Resistances - Electricity, Grass, Ground & Water
Immunity - none

 

 

 

 

​Psychic


  Psychic Pokémon are able to intercept and interpret the electric signals utilised by neurons (brain cells) to communicate with other parts of the body (including the brain) that bring about movement and 'consciousness'. This relationship is analogous to the electricity liberated by fish and detected by electric receptors on nearby sharks. This electrical firing within the brain may generate perceptible brain waves - this neuronal energy can be manipulated in a variety of forms (Figure 11 to be inserted). The production of electricity generates magnetic fields – psychic Pokémon utilise this phenomenon to levitate Pokémon or other objects by repelling against the fields generated by Earth. As well as intercepting neuronal firing, psychic Pokémon can also stimulate the involuntary firing of neurons, projecting thoughts and other imagery into the minds of others, a psychic Pokémon may send an individual into powerful long lasting delusions. Neuronal firing can occur en masse, undulating in waves of intensity; the brains of Psychic Pokémon almost always modulate between intense gamma wave concentration and the hypnotised-like state of alpha wave activity.

  A large proportion of human decision making occurs unconsciously several seconds before the manifestation of conscious thought. Electrical activity in the frontopolar cortex of both Pokémon and human brains can be intercepted by Psychic-typed Pokémon allowing them to consciously pre-empt decisions before they are made. Psychic Pokémon can read brain activity so fluently it can give the outward appearance that these Pokémon can travel through time to apprehend the actions of their opponents. Psychic-typed Pokémon are unable to accurately read the neuronal firing of Bug and Ghost-typed Pokémon due to the diffuse central nervous system of these species.
  Mutations in the base sequence of the ASP encoding gene of many psychic Pokémon is hypothesised to be the mechanism behind the extremely high density of neurons in the brain of these Pokémon. The fitness benefits of this mutation are likely dramatic as many species bear a costly brain to body ratio. As such, psychic Pokémon are viewed as being an especially intelligent type of Pokémon. The cerebral discharge of psychic Pokémon can be concentrated to produce a manifested pulse of energy, this is often used in an offensive manner. Psychic attacks can commonly leave the foe in a severe state of confusion, potentially resulting in self-inflicted harm. Powerful psychic Pokémon are able to alter a foe's perception of reality and create powerful imagery and altered states, the process by which some psychic Pokémon teleport is currently under experimental investigation. Psychic Pokémon rely primarily on their central nervous system to perform daily activities, they therefore require large amounts of glucose to fuel their mental expenditure. Many non-offensive Psychic moves stimulate the production of different hormones that increase the individual’s status, including defence (both special and physical) and attack (special and physical). Psychic Pokémon have evolved especially powerful special attacks and special defences, these facets are often the focus of modifying moves. Most Psychic attacks involve discharges of mental energy; these often strike the opponent and cause aberrant stimulation to a foe's nervous system. Psychic waves often result in alterations to the nerves themselves even inducing changes in the threshold potentials required to perpetuate neuronal firing. Some Pokémon species demonstrate radical physiological reactions when attacked by Psychic energy. It is theorised that the neurons of Poison Pokémon that have evolved adaptations to avoid self-intoxication are disrupted by this intense mental energy, the Pokémon are thus rendered vulnerable to the effects of their own toxins. Similarly, the dense concentration of muscle fibres and electrical firing of a Fighting Pokémon nervous system are especially susceptible to the harmful nerve impulses elicited by Psychic attacks.





Advantages

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Super effective - Fighting & Poison
Resistances - Fighting & Psychic
Immunity - none

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​Fighting

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  Fighting Pokémon are generally perceived as vigilant, discerning Pokémon capable of efficient and well executed strikes towards opponents. The vast majority of moves performed by Fighting Pokémon are physical - using limbs of the body to strike the foe. There are still many moves dedicated to meditation, and honing/refining future combat. Most Fighting Pokémon are single typed, solely dedicated to the Fighting element. A few Fighting Pokémon have refined moves to project 'energy' as well as physically attacking, the mechanism by which these Pokémon produce this energy is not completely understood. The unchallenged hypothesis suggests that rapid projections of fists etc. generate a sonic boom as the layers of air in front of the fist fail to escape, thus resulting in explosive projections towards the foe (Figure 12 to be inserted).
It is thought that Fighting Pokémon are derived or ‘advanced’ Normal-typed Pokémon that have distinguished themselves through outperforming competitors for mates and resources and thus have refined fighting as a form of display of strength and integrity. In battle, Fighting Pokémon are evolutionarily engineered to out compete their ‘primitive’, Normal-typed equivalents. During training and display, Fighting Pokémon hone their mind and body by striking immensely solid structures - in battle, foes of a similar structural makeup are extremely susceptible to specifically refined Fighting attacks. On average, the physical attack of Fighting-typed Pokémon is more pronounced than the other stats that define the species. Many Fighting Pokémon have mutations in the SCN9A region of their genome, some humans with mutations in this gene are capable of detecting physical sensations but may be incapable of generating a negatively associated pain response. This, generally maladaptive or disadvantageous mutation, has been positively selected for, likely by observing females as an apparent display of strength of character. Examples of susceptible foes to Fighting Pokémon include Ice, Rock and Steel Pokémon. There are two governing theories as to the success of Fighting-typed moves over Dark Pokémon, potentially the immense psychological focus exhibited during training aids in the pre-emption and counter of Dark-typed Pokémon. Alternatively, it has been demonstrated that in ‘no visible light’ trials, Fighting Pokémon remain accurate in their strikes, indicating a potential physiological adaptation that allows them to maintain accuracy when blind – Fighting Pokémon may  therefore have the potential to perceive infra-red emissions with their striking limb, analogous to the organs of some snakes. The latter hypothesis is gaining credence as non-Fighting Pokémon that have gained the genes for Fighting-typed moves (through a Fighting ancestor) are also capable of accurately striking foes in ‘no visible light’ trials.

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Advantages
 

Super effective - Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice & Dark
Resistances - Bug, Dark & Rock
Immunity - none

 

 

 

 

Poison

  ‘Poisonous’ chemicals produced by biological entities such as animals are known as toxins or venoms as opposed to poisons, therefore the term Poison to describe toxic Pokémon is generally a misnomer. Poison-typed Pokémon as a group have a diverse evolutionary history and no one single ancestor, that is to say poison Pokémon are not necessarily related purely for the fact they produce toxins. Venomous Pokémon are those that deliver toxins generally by bite or sting (cardio toxins etc.), other toxic Pokémon produce mycotoxins (toxins produced by fungi that may attack the foe's nervous system) or abiotic poisons such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) (Figure 13 to be inserted). There are roughly equivalent numbers of physical and special Fighting-typed moves, toxins are often excreted through a variety of available orifices, whereas physical moves utilise e.g. envenomed limbs, to inject venom. The bodies of Poison-typed Pokémon are often perforated with many pores and openings that allow the continuous outflow of toxic products from the body. Toxic and poisonous attacks are primarily liquids and gases that have a likely chance of ‘poisoning’ the foe - this is a status ailment in which the opponent gradually loses health during the match, becoming ‘badly poisoned’ is a more acute  status in which the damage accumulates exponentially.

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  Poison-typed Pokémon are often partially Grass or Bug-types, this is a relatively accurate reflection of the animal, plant and fungi kingdoms. The toxins and poisons utilised by Poison-typed Pokémon have a diversity of evolutionary origins. Some may have evolved through the mutation of a biological molecule with a prior purpose such as saliva for digestion, or possibly, in a scenario akin to steel Pokémon they may have become ‘immune’ to abiotic poisons and have thus incorporated them into their physiology. All Poison-typed Pokémon have adaptations in their body that disenable them from easily poisoning themselves, comparable to the Pufferfish, (Family: Tetraodontidae) which has neuronal adaptations that disenable self-toxicity from its own lethal tetrodotoxins. Toxins that super effectively damage Grass-type Pokémon vary in their offensive mechanism, some cause damage via direct contact with plant tissue, these may be acidic and degrade the plant cell walls. Alternative methods of toxin distribution may be through the air in the form of gaseous particles that may be taken up by the Grass Pokémon, thus damaging the individual gradually over time. All forms of toxin uptake may result in the poisoned status ailment.





Advantages
Super effective - Grass
Resistances - Bug, Fighting, Poison & Grass
Immunity - none

 

 

 

 

​Ground


  Ground Pokémon (Figure 14) are adept at travelling above and below the surface of the earth and are capable of powerfully manipulating the Earth’s crust. The body of some Ground Pokémon is composed of compressed sediment such as soil and sand however most are just restricted to a subterranean habit. The modified physiology of Ground-Pokémon that gives them proficiency at subterranean travel has the disadvantage of minimising their capacity to jump or perform aerial attacks. Developing the morphology for below-ground travel has allowed ground Pokémon to powerfully command various earthy substrates for use as offensive tools. They are capable of producing fissures (chasms) in the crust, small scale earthquakes, uplifting top soil to produce sandstorms and consuming and powerfully expelling the ground offensively. Ground Pokémon are especially powerful physical attackers whose moves often result in the reduction of accuracy or another attribute such as speed. The forceful blasts of earth from Ground-typed moves are particularly damaging to Poisonous species that have inherently more vulnerable physiologies to the absorptive and obstructive properties of soil. Due to the grounded nature of this type of Pokémon, any form of electric attack is neutralised by Ground-typed Pokémon as it is diffused through the Pokémon’s feet and consequently through the Earth, effectively neutralising the electrical energy. Accordingly, ground typed moves strongly injure Electric Pokémon by neutralising their internal circuitry. A similar natured neutralisation occurs when Ground Pokémon starve Fire-types of oxygen and absorb the opponent’s bodily heat with their offensive ground attacks. During the evolutionary development of Ground Pokémon, there was a selection pressure to develop a number of modifications to penetrate the subterranean environment. These unique adaptations include travelling through various densities of substrate including rock and mineral deposits (ores).  Ground typed moves are therefore particularly effective at breaching Rock and Steel-typed defences.





Pokémon Types