For many, Pokémon is synonymous with childhood nostalgia—trading cards, colorful animated battles, and the quest to “catch ’em all.” However, for a growing number of professionals in the scientific community, the franchise has served as much more than mere entertainment. It has functioned as a foundational tool for understanding the complexities of the natural world.
In a recent discussion, two scientists—Arjan Mann, an assistant curator at Chicago’s Field Museum, and Spencer Monckton, an entomologist at the University of Guelph—shared how their early fascination with Pokémon helped shape their scientific trajectories.
The “Pokémon Effect” on Taxonomy and Discovery
While traditional science education often emphasizes field research—digging in the mud or turning over rocks—the Pokémon franchise offers a digital parallel to these activities. The core mechanics of the franchise mirror several key scientific principles:
- Taxonomy and Classification: The game uses a system of “types” (Grass, Bug, Electric, etc.) and nested classifications. This provides a simplified, accessible introduction to Linnaean taxonomy, helping young minds grasp how living things are categorized into organized systems.
- The Thrill of Discovery: The fundamental loop of exploring new areas to find rare species mirrors the “search and find” nature of field biology and paleontology.
- Metamorphosis and Evolution: While Pokémon “evolution” is a fantastical concept, it serves as a conceptual bridge to biological processes like metamorphosis, where an organism undergoes dramatic physical changes.
“I knew how to classify Pokémon and what Pokémon were before I knew what the natural world was,” says Arjan Mann. “It is one of the first times in history where kids are learning [classification] in a different way to natural history.”
Where Fiction Meets Fact
The relationship between the franchise and science is a two-way street. Pokémon creators often draw inspiration from biology, and in turn, scientists are increasingly looking to the franchise for inspiration.
1. Science Inspiring Pokémon
The franchise’s creator, Satoshi Tajiri, was inspired by his childhood hobby as an entomologist. This influence is evident in the designs of various creatures, such as Weedle, whose physical characteristics (a conical stinger) and eventual evolution into a wasp closely follow insect biology.
2. Pokémon Inspiring Science
The influence has become so deeply embedded in the scientific community that it has entered the formal record of biological nomenclature:
* Species Naming: Entomologist Spencer Monckton named a Chilean bee species Chilicola charizard , noting its habitat near volcanoes and deserts—reminiscent of the iconic fire-type Pokémon.
* Scientific Parallels: Researchers have noted striking similarities between certain fossils and Pokémon designs, leading to exhibitions that bridge the gap between pop culture and paleontology.
Bridging the Gap: The Field Museum Exhibition
To celebrate this intersection, the Field Museum in Chicago is hosting a special exhibition titled the Pokémon Fossil Museum. Inspired by the work of Japanese paleontologist Daisuke Aiba, the exhibit compares fossil Pokémon to their real-world prehistoric counterparts. By incorporating North American fossils, the exhibit aims to make the connection between gaming and natural history tangible for a local audience.
Conclusion
Pokémon serves as a powerful “gateway species” for scientific literacy. By translating complex concepts like taxonomy and specimen collection into an engaging format, the franchise helps demystify the natural sciences and inspires the next generation of researchers.
