Evolution (stage)

Evolution is the transformation of a Creature into a distinct species of Creatures.
== In the core series games ==
Evolution is more than just a visual transformation. When a Pokémon evolves, it transforms into a completely new species of Pokémon. This new species is assigned a different Pokédex number and has its own unique set of base stats. It may even belong to a different type, although usually at least one of the types from its pre-evolved form remains the same. Furthermore, the evolved Pokémon learns different moves and possesses a different Ability. However, certain personal attributes of the Pokémon, such as its Nature and Shininess, remain unchanged.
To prevent a Pokémon from evolving through level up or trade, one can equip it with an Everstone. Additionally, during the process of leveling up, the player can halt the evolution by simply pressing the B button. In the games Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, if a player does not possess the National Pokédex, a situation may arise where a Pokémon in the Kanto Pokédex meets the requirements for evolution, but its evolved form is not present in the Kanto Pokédex (for instance, Chansey evolving into Blissey). In such cases, the Pokémon will attempt to evolve but ultimately fail.
Professor Elm and Professor Rowan are renowned authorities in the field of Pokémon evolution. As per Rowan's findings, more than 90% of all Pokémon are linked to another species through evolution. Presently, the confirmed statistic stands at 80% of all documented Pokémon. Rowan's studies delve into the concept of evolution as a manifestation of growth in Pokémon, while also examining the impact of this phenomenon on Legendary Pokémon (which were unable to evolve during Rowan's introduction in Generation IV).
=== Evolutionary families ===
A group of Pokémon that share a common evolutionary lineage is known as an evolutionary family. Within an evolutionary family, the initial stage Pokémon has the potential to evolve into any member of the family, regardless of their final evolutionary stage.
The number of stages within a Pokémon evolutionary family can range from one to three. In a one-stage family, there is only one Pokémon that remains unevolved and cannot undergo any further evolution. In a two-stage family, each member of the family has the ability to evolve once, transitioning from their unevolved form to one of the evolved forms. In a three-stage family, at least one of the evolved forms has the potential to evolve once more, further expanding the possibilities within the evolutionary family.
==== One-evolution families ====
Evolutionary families consist of Pokémon that can undergo evolution only once throughout their lifetime. This type of evolutionary family is widely prevalent among Pokémon species.
==== Two-evolution families ====
All first partner Pokémon in each region possess an evolutionary family structure where they can undergo two stages of evolution. These families represent the evolutionary progression of these Pokémon.
==== Pokémon that do not evolve ====
These evolutionary lineages consist of a sole member that is unable to undergo evolution. A majority of the Pokémon lacking evolutionary connections are Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, although there are exceptions with certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon being capable of evolving.
==== Branched evolution families ====
Some families in the Pokémon world consist of one- and two-evolution lines, while others are considered branched evolution families. In a branched evolution family, a member has the ability to evolve into multiple different Pokémon. Eevee stands out as the most notable example, with a total of eight potential evolved forms.
=== Methods of evolution ===
In the main series games, Pokémon typically evolve following one of three specific events:
Prior to Generation VIII, the aforementioned triggers were the sole methods for evolving Pokémon. Nevertheless, Generation VIII brought forth numerous fresh triggers, each exclusive to a particular Pokémon species or shared by two.
Apart from the trigger, numerous Pokémon possess one or more supplementary prerequisites that must be met in order for them to evolve. These prerequisites encompass:
Some Pokémon evolutions are influenced by the gender of the Pokémon. For instance, only female Combee can evolve into Vespiquen, while male Combee cannot evolve at all. Likewise, all Snorunt can evolve into Glalie, but only female Snorunt can evolve into Froslass. Conversely, male Burmy evolves into Mothim, and female Burmy evolves into Wormadam.
In certain cases, the form of a Pokémon after evolution is determined by specific conditions. For instance, Wormadam's cloak is determined by the cloak Burmy had when it evolved. Similarly, the form of Toxtricity that Toxel evolves into is dependent on its Nature.
=== Abilities ===
Typically, when a Pokémon evolves, it will keep its Ability slot intact. This means that if a Pokémon had its second Ability before evolving, it will still have that same second Ability after evolving. For example, if a Poochyena had the Ability Quick Feet, it will still have Quick Feet after evolving into Mightyena. However, if a Poochyena had the Ability Run Away, it will instead have the Ability Intimidate after evolving.
Nevertheless, there are some Pokémon that originated from the Generation III games that can experience a change in their Ability slot upon evolution. In Generation III, when Abilities were first introduced, some Pokémon only had one possible Ability. However, in Generation IV, they were given a second Ability. If a Pokémon from Generation III, which gained an Ability in Generation IV, is transferred to a Generation IV or V game, it will initially retain its original Ability. However, upon evolving, its Ability slot will be recalculated, and there is a possibility that its Ability may change.
On the other hand, when a Pokémon is transferred to either Generation VI or Generation VII, it will be locked into the appropriate slot for its current Ability.
=== Animations ===
In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, the evolution into an Alolan form showcases a distinct theme and background color. Conversely, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, when a Pokémon evolves with ample space around the player, the surrounding area becomes the background and the camera can be adjusted. However, if space is limited or the player is in Area Zero, the game will transition to an abstract colored background with a fixed camera during evolution, reminiscent of previous games. Notably, Tandemaus will evolve into Maushold instantly after reaching level 25 or higher in a battle it was not initially sent out in, without any animation following the battle's conclusion.
== In the anime ==
Evolution in the anime mirrors the process seen in the games, with some differences. For instance, Misty's Poliwhirl evolved into Politoed after finding Ash's King's Rock and holding it during battle. This contrasts with the game's requirement of trading Poliwhirl while holding the King's Rock for evolution. Additionally, when a Beedrill attacked Ash's Metapod, a crack appeared on its shell, leading to Butterfree emerging. Later instances of Metapod evolving into Butterfree followed the traditional anime evolution method.
Furthermore, there is a distinction in the fact that Pokémon undergo evolution during battles, rather than after them. Additionally, Pokémon have the ability to evolve when necessary, providing an extra power boost or acquiring new abilities, rather than solely through a predetermined amount of training. For instance, Ash's Charmeleon evolved into Charizard to confront an Aerodactyl just three episodes after evolving from Charmander, whereas in the game, Charmeleon would typically require twenty levels of growth to reach that stage. Moreover, Pokémon have the option to choose not to evolve, even if they have the potential to evolve naturally through methods like leveling up. This was demonstrated when Ash's Bulbasaur declined to evolve during an evolution festival for all Bulbasaur in Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden. It seems that evolution holds emotional significance for Pokémon - some Pokémon, like Team Rocket's Meowth, dislike their evolved forms, while others, such as Ash's Pikachu, simply want to prove their strength without evolving. Conversely, when Pokémon do evolve, it often coincides with an experience that helps them mature emotionally or address an emotional problem. For example, Poochyena in A Bite to Remember had an aversion to using the move Bite, while Paras was extremely timid and weak in battle. Both of them evolved shortly after overcoming these issues. In Enter Pikachu!, it was revealed that Ash's Pikachu evolved from a Pichu in the wild during a silent and tearful separation from a group of Kangaskhan that had acted as his surrogate family. On the other hand, evolution is not always tied to maturity or a Pokémon's age. In the episode Tree's a Crowd, an elderly Treecko is featured after evolving. Another instance is seen in Odd Pokémon Out!, where even after evolving, Ash's Donphan continued to exhibit playful behavior, similar to when it was a Phanpy.
In the process of evolution, a Pokémon is surrounded by a vibrant light as it gradually transforms. In the earlier series like Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, and Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, the light appears as a simple white hue. However, in later series such as Pokémon the Series: Black & White and Pokémon the Series: XY, the light takes on a blue color. In Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, unique evolution effects were introduced depending on the Pokémon evolving. For example, when Mallow's Bounsweet evolved into Steenee, it emitted a pink glow and the physical changes were visibly happening. While some Pokémon reverted to the traditional evolution effect (like Sandygast into Palossand and Mareanie into Toxapex), others showcased entirely new effects (such as Rockruff and Litten).
To view the evolutions of Pokémon owned by the main characters, refer to the list of anime Pokémon by evolution.
== In relation to the real world ==
The process of evolution in Pokémon bears a closer resemblance to the natural occurrence of metamorphosis rather than the actual concept of evolution in real life. In reality, evolution takes place over an extended period of time within populations, not within individual organisms. The Pokémon Adventures manga acknowledges that Pokémon Evolution is a distinct phenomenon separate from the conventional process of evolution, and it remains an enigmatic ability exclusive to Pokémon that is not yet fully comprehended. Similarly, in Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, during the health class at Serene Village's school, it is likened to the stage of puberty, where a Pokémon's body undergoes rapid growth and other changes that bring it closer to adulthood.
Real-life evolution is evident in the Pokémon universe and is frequently mentioned or referenced in various forms of media. The evolutionary relationships between different Pokémon species are well-established, although not all Pokémon share these connections, as some are artificially created or of extraterrestrial origin. Additionally, Sinnoh Folk Story 3 recounts a time when there was no distinction between Pokémon and humans. The ability of many Pokémon to interbreed, as indicated by their egg groups, suggests a potential familial connection. The Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia provides insights into how Pokémon adapt to diverse environments, exemplified by Cinnabar Island and its unique ecosystem. This island is believed to have greatly influenced the characteristics of its native Pokémon, such as Growlithe, and has gained renown as a habitat for numerous Fire-type Pokémon. In the Generation VII games and onwards, each new region introduces regional forms of previously known Pokémon. These forms exhibit distinct appearances, often possess different types, and occasionally evolve into entirely new species.
Other mentions:
* Drowzee is said to be descended from the legendary beast Baku, and is also thought to share common ancestry with Munna and Musharna.
* Omastar's heavy shell is thought to be the reason this ancient Pokémon died out. It's apparently a distant ancestor of Octillery.
* Shellos and Gastrodon's cells indicate that they had shells covering their backs in the ancient past, and they are related to Shellder and Cloyster.
* Seismitoad is a related species to Croagunk and Toxicroak.
* Skorupi shares a common ancestor with Sizzlipede.
* Archen is believed to be a progenitor of bird Pokémon, although some of the latest research suggests this may not be the case.
* Tirtouga is reputed to be the ancestor of most turtle Pokémon, it lived in warm seas approximately 100 million years ago.
* Anorith is said to be an ancestor of modern bug Pokémon.
* Zubat's eyes and vision have atrophied over time in favor of echolocation.
* Relicanth has remained unchanged for 100 million years. Similarly, Kabuto has not changed for 300 million years.
* In the distant past, Kabutops began transitioning to a terrestrial lifestyle, but it was not able to fully adapt before it became extinct.
* Bagon's belief that it will be able to fly one day is apparently the influence of information carried in its genes. Some theories suggest that its behavior affected its evolution.
* Wailmer is descended from a land-dwelling ancestor. It also appears to be related to Cetoddle, whose ancestors at some point transitioned from the ocean back to land.
== Trivia ==
* Of all non-Legendary and non-Mythical Pokémon, 87.65% are part of an evolutionary line.
** Counting Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, 80.39% of all Pokémon are part of an evolutionary line.
* Out of all Pokémon that evolve by leveling up, Larvesta evolves later than any other unevolved Pokémon, starting at level 59.
* Of all the Pokémon that evolve by leveling up, Hydreigon evolves from its pre-evolution later than any other Pokémon, starting at level 64.
* Generation IX introduced the most non-Legendary and non-Mythical Pokémon that do not evolve, with 29.
** Generations IV and VI are tied for the fewest, with just five each.
* All species of Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus can be caught without using evolution, since the Daybreak update. Only the Alolan form of Ninetales cannot be caught and must be evolved from the gift Alolan Vulpix.
Category:Terminology
Category:Creatures