Can You Match The Pokémon To The Animal?
- by Marin Johnson
- – on
- in The Geek Corner
What makes us love Pokémon so much? There may be hundreds of these creatures, but each one stands out in their own way. Some are cute and cuddly like Pikachu, others are tough and inspiring like Blastoise. Some are just odd like Trubbish and Jynx. When a trainer sets out on a new adventure in the Pokémon world, they are seeking out their favorite Pokémon in a wild safari. They will face maze-like caves and poisonous stings, but will ultimately emerge victorious with their Pokemon team stronger than ever.
What makes each Pokémon so unique? The seeds of their design come from all over our natural world, and then they are weaved into something captivating and unique. Some come from folk tales or objects found in our world, and others are creatures born from pure imagination, but so many of them come from animals that surround us in our daily lives.
Can you find the animal that is rooted in each adorable Pokémon? Just look closely at the pictures. The answer is hidden right in front of you. Use your wits to solve each of these 50 Pokémon picture puzzles. Don't just take this quiz, challenge your friends to beat your score!
Where did Pidgeotto's design come from?
This bird is fast and loves to throw sand in its enemy's eyes. It is extremely common, appearing in the very first area of most games. It is easily brought down by a Pikachu but Caterpie will have a lot more trouble, being a bug type. Starting with a grass or water type creates no especial advantage for taking down a Pidgeotto, but it's not out of the question. If nothing else, the player can go for a Pidgey and train it to evolve.
What is Hoothoot based on?
This cute little Pokémon always stands on one foot. Its spherical body must balance at all times, heightening its awareness so that it remains alert. It it imossible to tell with the naked eye but it is actually hopping from foot to foot. It may seem friendly but that doesn't mean that it will just hop into a trainer's Pokeball. It must be captured and trained just like any other. Hoothoot has a very advanced internal clock, letting it track time down to the second.
What sort of animal is Bruxish based on?
This colorful underwater creature is a fearsome predator so far as other local Pokémon are concerned. To remain unnoticed by potential food, it buries itself in the sand and uses an innate ability similar to radar in order to know exactly when to come out of hiding and strike. The real animal that this Pokémon is based on does not have any such ability and does not bury itself in the sand either. It is a far more ordinary sea creature.
What animal inspired Combee?
These whimsical flying bug-type Pokémon can interlock, creating a large wall of pointy creatures. They have three faces but only one abdomen and one stinger, also two antennae just like the animal that inspired their design. This Pokémon comes from generation four. Just like the animal that these creatures are based on, more of them are male than female by far. The females of the Combees have a red spot on their foreheads just like the one in the picture.
What plant lies behind Trevenant's design?
Trevenant may not be based on an animal, but it has more life to it than Trubbish, so it made the list. The real world is flooded with stories about plants such as these coming to life and walking around, destroying every cottage in their wake. It's hard to blame them since the actual plants in the real world cannot defend themselves, and they have plenty to be angry about. What plant gave way to this Pokémon and inspired its looks?
Which animal is Azurill based on?
Mice seem to have inspired an awful lot of Pokémon and in fact, many of them have served as mascots for their generation of games. Still, you might think that all of the Pokémon below are based on mice, but you would be very wrong. In fact, the Pokémon designers are inspired by many cute little creatures and will take species specific traits from them to give them personality to and to help them decide what kind of attacks and powers they would have.
Which Pokémon is based on this animal?
The Pokémon that this little green creature is based on lives in trees, and has been around since the very first generation. The bright red antennae on its head have an impressive ability. They give off an awful stench that discourages predators such as Ursaring. Instead of legs, it uses suction cups to stick to leaves and branches, scooting along much like its counterpart from the real world. It has an insatiable appetite, much like a certain creature that has been featured in a certain children's book.
Where did Magikarp's design come from?
This floppy fish is an expert at hopping in place and splashing around in the water. When first caught, it has no way to deal damage to its foes, but its next evolution is truly exciting. Training a Magikarp may be frustrating but it is worth it. Of course, there are always daycare centers around ready and waiting to raise a Magikarp if the player doesn't feel the need. To catch one, the player will need a fishing rod since these Pokémon are not flopping around on the land.
What is Rapidash designed based on?
Throw your car away! Rapidash can run at 150 mph. It's a wonder the character can't ride Rapidash in any of the Pokémon games. At least that gives people sufficient motivation to save up for a bike. According to the Pokedex from Pokémon X, Rapidash is a very competitive racer and will chase anything that moves fast enough to get its gears going. This includes cars and trains, so that creates a new sort of hazard to look out for on the road.
Which Pokémon is based on a rhinoceros?
This sizable Pokémon evolves from Rhyhorn, standing up on its back legs and growing a larger, more impressive, more unicorn-like horn. Being a ground and rock type, Rhydon has some serious weaknesses. It is especially weak against both water and grass type moves. It it best set against a poison type Pokémon, as its two types work together to protect it against poison moves. The animal that inspired its design walks on four legs just like Rhyhorn but is strong like Rhydon.
What animal is most representative of Dewgong?
When Seel evolves, its fins grow longer and it becomes something more imposing and impressive than the seal that inspired the original design. Dewgong is still white and is easily mistaken for Seel except for the details that set it apart. The same can be said for the two animals from the real world that the two Pokémon iterations are based on. What animal is the large yet simply designed evolved Pokémon designed after, not to be confused with a seal?
Which animal did Poliwag's design come from?
This little baby Pokémon lives in the water but has little pebble-like feet that let it toddle around on the land. It is a first generation Pokémon that Misty personally trains into a Politoed. The actual animal does not have a dizzying spiral on its chest but it does have a long tail that helps it navigate the water. Both are very small but Poliwag has the benefit of being a cartoon, making it much cuter than its animal counterpart could ever be.
What animal is Spheal based around?
This water and ice type is not a swimmer. Instead, its ball-shaped body lets it roll across the ice. The whimsical design is perfect for the Pokémon world but the animal that it is based on must swim around instead. When happy, this adorable, blubbery ball claps its fins together. The animal that it comes from is known for similar antics and will even perform tricks such as balancing things on its nose. What animal does this creature come from?
Which animal is Cloyster inspired by?
To an eight-year-old kid playing Pokémon Red on the Gameboy for the first time, this thing is the stuff of nightmares. The spikes that cover its shell and the evil smirk that dominates its spherical head make it look worlds apart from the animal that sparked its design. For some reason, Cloyster is both water and ice type, even though the animal in the real world has absolutely nothing to do with ice except maybe when it is being served at a fancy buffet.
Which of these Pokémon was NOT based on a lobster?
Water Pokémon have always played a very important role in the series. Many can learn Surf which helps players get around on seas, in rivers, and in even cross the ocean. In the anime, Misty, the leader of the Cerulean City gym, is a fierce water Pokémon trainer and becomes quite close to Ash throughout the series. In the world of Pokémon, just like the real world, a few Pokémon seem to have had a common ancestor. Which of these Pokémon wasn't based on a type of lobster?
Which animal best represents Noctowl?
The most impressive facet of this normal flying Pokémon is its eyes. Its amazing eyesight allows it to see the most minute details, even at night. As seen in the anime, Noctowl grows a beard as it ages, leading it to appear old and wise. Just like the animal that Noctowl is based on, it can rotate its head 180 degrees. This Pokémon has been around since generation 2, but the animal it is based on has been around a little while longer.
Does this Exeggutor remind you of anything?
Once again, this Pokémon isn't exactly based on an animal. This Exeggutor grew in the sun of the Alola region, causing it to evolve differently from what old school Pokémon fans may remember. That means that this particular Exeggutor can finally show the world what everyone was thinking all along, that the Pokémon that once looked like a bunch of eggs finally had the chance to evolve into. What plant, not animal, does this image very loudly invoke the idea of?
Which animal inspired Militank?
This docile creature was the very first Pokémon to have milk-based abilities. It is the female counterpart of Taurus, with its main feature being the udders that are very hard not to look at. The nurturing and kind Pokémon subsists on grass and that is really all the information that is needed in order to figure out what this split-hooved, udder-having Pokémon is based on. Which of these animals gave birth to the somewhat awkward and embarassing Pokémon in this picture?
What the real animal form of Yungoos?
This Pokémon is 90% stomach. The razor-sharp teeth that dominate its face just accentuate its need for food. The little normal-type critter has a pink nose and a yellow hairdo that has the Internet cracking Donald Trump jokes. It's a lean, mean bashing machine, just as furious as the animal that sparked its design. What is the very real animal that is fearless and hungry just like Yungoos, unafraid to take down poison type Pokémon that slither around and sport fangs?
What animal does Delphox come from?
This mystical wielder of fire has amazing powers both of mind and flame. By gazing into the flame that it always carries and falling into a trance, Delphox catches a glimpse of the future. By honing its power into the flame, it can create a vortex of fire that burns at 5,400 degrees. The intelligent creature did not appear until Pokémon X and Y. What is the animal from the real world that this Pokémon is wearing the face of?
What animal is Bewear based on?
ThisPokémon would look like a bear except for a few distinct differences. It has black fur over much of its body but then it has a red head and a red ringed tail. It also has a headband giving it the appearance of large, tufty ears, (which is very kawaii). There is something more going on than just the appearance of a bear. What is the cute but shy forest creature that truly inspired the image of the Pokémon that is called Bewear?
What animal inspired Magcargo's design?
This little guy may look cute but it is critical to remember never to pet it. Magcargo's body temperature is 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit. When it touches water, the droplets instantly vaporize. If passing through a rainy area, Magcargo will create a hot fog all around its body. The extremely hot creature has brittle skin that breaks apart and crumbles on contact. It swims in magma in order to accrue body mass. Besides all of these impossible things, what animal is it based on?
What animal is Pokémon based on?
This interesting Pokémon is based on an ancient animal that still exists on Earth. These animals stick out like a sore thumb in the modern age, causing scientists to look into their genetic history and make many exciting discoveries. In Fire Red and Leaf Green, the Pokedex states that the Reliacanth has remained unchanged for 100 million years, connecting it with the very real fish that swims the waters today. What is the name of this ancient yet living animal?
What animal does Pancham come from?
This little guy is very impressionable. It needs to have a dark type Pokémon in the party with it in order to evolve. It is a fighting type through and through, sticking around Pangoro in the wild in order to learn how to be a tough, grown-up warrior. Pancham is tough to train and has a lot of attitude. It carries a leaf in its mouth just as a statement. It's still a kid, though, and loves to be patted on the head.
Which of these Pokémon is not based on an egg?
It is true that most Pokémon come from eggs, but a few of them never quite leave the shell. Another retains its egg shape until it evolves, though it does have arms and legs. Which of these four Pokémon does not have any distinct egg-like properties? The others are almost ridiculously egg-like, enough to establish an egg theme to the Pokémon series even before hatching eggs became an important mechanic and then Pokemon Go set in the egg image for all time.
Which of these Pokémon was NOT inspired by a cat?
There are plenty of Pokémon inspired by cats of all types. There are big cats, small cats, house cats, and even a mongoose cat (which is kind of weird). But do you know which of the Pokémon below aren't based on cats? It can be hard to tell since so many Pokémon have feline features, tails, and are just cute enough that you'd want to adopt one and snuggle up with it and throw yarn at it. Still, they can't all be cats.
True or False: Real bats have four wings
This little creature gets a lot of screen time, especially in the portable console games. Whenever there is a cave, chances are it will be filled to the brim with Crobats. These enemies aren't notably strong. They can usually be dealt with quickly, but the character will only make it a few more paces forward before coming face-to-face with another one. Is there actually an animal living in the wild that has similar quad-wings like this unique looking Pokémon species?
What animal is Pangoro designed based on?
Pangoro is an aggressive Pokémon to be sure, but it does not tolerate others using their power to make anyone feel small or weak. The large fighting and dark type Pokémon is quick to come to the rescue of anyone who is being bullied. Pangoro has thick, tough fur all over its bodyand only three fingers on each paw, though the animal it is based on has five long fingers that it uses for climbing rather than making a fist.
What is Starmie's real life counterpart?
Starmie is a water type through and through, but it also has psychic powers, likely due to the red gen in its center. Pokémon scientists have observed that the red gem gives off radio signals but very little is known about how these signals work or what their significance is. Starmie has no gender. Its real world counterpart does have a gender but it can be very difficult to tell except in the process of spawning. What animal does Starmie remind you of?
What real animal does Tyrunt come from?
Tyrunt is an ancient Pokémon brought back to life using the power of science. So far, it has only appeared in a small handful of games, most notably in Pokémon X and Y in which it can be revived using the Jaw Fossil. Tyrunt has an impressive jaw which it uses to take down prey. If this is any hint, it also has very tiny arms. The ancient animal that it comes from is well known for having tiny arms just like them.
What extrememly specific animal inspired Hitmonlee?
Hitmonlee is a flexible fighter with legs that can stretch to double their apparent length. As Hitmonlee kicks, the very sole of its foot turns as hard as a diamond at the point of impact. It is capable of delivering repetitive kicks from a great distance. This Pokémon was inspired by, or perhaps made as a tribute to one very specific animal. This animal walks on two legs, wears clothes, and has been the star of dozens of action movies.
What sort of plant is Bonsly designed as?
This brown Pokémon with green on top of it is not exactly inspired by an animal. Its real world counterpart is, in fact, much more similar to a plant. Don't be alarmed if this Pokémon starts to cry. It is simply adjusting its moisture level. Spending time in an a humid area will cause Bonsly to swell up and the only way for it to get rid of the excess water is to lose it through the tear ducts next to its eyes.
What is Hariyama based on?
This sizeable Pokémon loves a good fight. It will even seek out man-made structures to show off its strength against. It is a bad idea to leave out a large truck in Hariyama territory in case one of these guys wants to practice its moves against one. To get ready, a Hariyama will stomp on the floor. This is not just a way of showing off but of heightening its power in preparation for a great battle. What type of animal is it based on?
What disturbing animal is Stunfisk based on?
This cute little Pokémon is nothing like the freakish animal from real life that it is based on. Both will bury themselves in the sand and wait for something worth eating to swim by, but one looks cute and floppy while the other looks like a freakish zombie. This critter is a ground electric type. It doesn't mind getting stepped on, and in fact uses the opportunity to give the interloper a dose of electricity. What creepy animal gave rise to this Pokémon?
Who is the insiration behind Hitmonchan?
While Hitmonlee is all about delivering unforgettable diamond-hard kicks, Hitmonchan's power is all in the wrist. A punch from this fearsome foe turns concrete to powder. Its punches are faster than a bullet train. The one problem this Pokémon faces in a fight (though it will never come up in the video games) is that this Pokémon cannot keep fighting forever. After three minutes of fighting, it needs to take the time to recuperate. Which extremely specific animal is Hitmonchan named after?
What is Psyduck's animal counterpart?
Despite what the name implies, Psyduck is not a psychic type. Its type is all water. That being said, it is capable of a few psychic powers. At just level 10 in the latest games, it learns Confusion. It later learns Zen Headbutt and Amnesia, finally followed by Wonder Room. It accesses its powers by developing an awful headache and unleashing a mysterious energy. Once the power is unleashed and the headache fades, Psyduck has no memory of what happened.
What extinct animal does Omanyte come from?
It has been a while since one of these rock water types has walked the Earth. The creatures look similar to snails but are much older. A Pokémon trainer can only hope to find one by reviving an ancient Helix fossil. It first came from Pokémon Red and Blue but the fossil can also be found in Pokémon Yellow. The fossil also makes a repeat appearance in generations 3, 4, and 6. What ancient animal does Omanyte's design come from?
Which ancient animal inspired Lapras?
This friendly giant is difficult to come across as it has been hunted almost to extinction. It holds no hard feelings against the human race and will happily carry people across the sea. The wise Pokémon is a gentle soul. It loves to sing, and enjoys the company of humans. It is also a great listener, which is unusual for Pokémon since most only understand a few words. What ancient animal is the base design for the Pokémon named Lapras?
What animal does Crabominable come from, minus the ice part?
This Pokémon may not look exactly like the animal it comes from, but the hint is in the name. It evolves from Crabrawler and develops potent ice powers. The combination of fighting and ice types make it especially strong against bug, ice, and dark type moves, but it also has trouble damaging a full third of all of the total types. A player must be careful when selecting the right moment to bring Crabominable into the ring. Which of these inspired its design?
Which of these Pokemon is based on a jellyfish?
Jellyfish are beautiful and horrifying creatures. From a safe distance, someone can enjoy the complex colors and the enchanting way in which the animal moves. Sharing the bay with one of these creatures, however, is enough to drive just about anyone back onto land. It is no surprise that these beautiful animals have become a point of inspiration for the Pokemon world. Which of these Pokemon is part of this side of the Pokemon design, carrying the visage of a jellyfish?
Which animal inspired Spinda?
These Pokémon are based on an animal that hops on four legs, but instead it totters about on two. Luckily for this little creature, the unpredictability of its walking patterns is enough to throw off potential predators. What makes each Spinda unique is the set of spots on its head. Its spots are like a fingerprint, what sets each one apart. What real animal sparked the idea of this whimsical creature wandering dizzily through the wilderness of the Pokémon world?
What real animal is Mightyena designed based on?
Mightyena is a pack animal, just like the real animal that it is based on. To properly train a Mightyena, a Pokémon trainer must first acquire the creature's respect. An unskilled trainer will have no power over a Mightyena, pokeball or no. This idea of how a mightyena lives in the wild comes from a study of how pack animals work in captivity. The group will fall in line under the strongest and smartest of the lot, obeying their every order.
What animals inspired Slowpoke?
Like many pink Pokémon, Slowpoke is psychic type but it is also water type. At least so far as science has been able to prove, its animal counterpart from the real world is not psychic type at all, but it does enjoy walking through cool water under the hot sun. Slowpoke moves its body slowly and fishes with its nimble tail. Sometimes it catches something odd, letting it evolve into a Slowking. Slowpoke has no feeling in its tail so this sort of thing happens pretty often.
What animal does Volcarona come from?
This fearsome monster of a Pokémon is the size of some adults, being 5'3" from head to tail. It is a giant bug imbued with fire, a true horror. Though it was unheard of until generation 5, it may be that this Pokémon was simply waiting for the right time to appear. Once, during a freezing winter, it appeared to save Pokémon from the cold. Once again, when the sky went black with ash, it provided light in the darkened sky.
What animal inspired Emolga?
Emolga is an adorable flying rodent Pokémon that is also electric type. It hops from tree top to tree top, dispersing electricity to propel their movements. The animal that Emolga is based on can only dream of the freedom of movement that Emolga is allowed. If only real animals had electric powers, perhaps this animal too could enjoy the power of flight. Emolga cannot stay in the air forever, but it sees a lot more of the sky than its animal counterpart.
What animal is the Mudkip based on?
Mudkip is inspired by a curious thing: a fish with legs. The cute little Pokémon arrived in generation 3 and evolves into Marshtomp in a hurry. The critter is one of the starter Pokémon in Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire. While swimming, Mudkip detects movement with the fin on the top of its head. It can breathe both air and water, although the animal that it is based on only has gills. Which animal inspired the design of this water type Pokémon?
What is the animal behind Raikou?
This legendary Pokémon is believed to arrive in this world in a bolt of lightning. Its form is that of an animal but on its back is a tuft of clouds. These clouds build up electricity which it can then shoot out at any who might defy its power. Raikou is a devastatingly powerful creature. Its roar sounds like the crack of thunder. The animal its design comes from also has a terrifying roar, but it has less to do with lightning than may be expected.
What storied animal does Ninetales come from?
Japan has stories about a certain animal with nine tails. Here, the very same animal is posing in the same legendary form that is whispered about in ancient stories. This illustrious creature is very beautful and very proud. Stories say that pulling one of its tails will result in a thousand-year curse. All that the Pokedex can confirm is 1,000 years is the expected lifespan of this gorgeous creature. Minus eight of its tails, what animal is this Pokémon based on?
What fierce animal inspired Typhlosion?
The animal that thisPokémon is based on has little to do with fire, except maybe the fiery temper that it carries. In real life, this animal will go after fearsome foes, sometimes for food, sometimes for its own protection. Back in the Pokémon world, Typhlosion will rub its fur together, causing enough friction to generate a devastating explosion. When Typhlosion is angry, it is too dangerous even to touch as anyone who does risks catching fire. What animal's fury gave birth to this Pokémon?
Bonus: What object is Bronzong based on?
This Pokémon does not have a lot of animal in it but what it is missing in animal traits it makes up for with spirit. Bronzong is a steel psychic type that once played a large part in the agriculture of ancient people. The Pokémon is capable of bringing rain which is crucial for making crops grow. In times of drought, people would seek out Bronzong to bring much-needed rainfall to save the crops. What object is Bronzong designed after?