Wiglett's reveal for the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet games has left many fans divided about regional fakes as a concept, but just as when regional forms were first introduced there's actually some interesting real-world science behind the idea. This could be Game Freak's tentative steps into convergent evolution. Like regional forms being influenced by natural selection principles, Wiglett could be the first of many other Pokemon based on this alternative concept.
The most recent Pokemon generations have each strived to introduce new dimensions to the monsters' design, from the regional forms introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon to the regional evolutions specific to Pokemon Sword and Shield. For Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, it seems Game Freak is keen to maintain this trend with a new dynamic that can pay homage to classic designs but with new twists. This means that future Pokemon, both set to appear in Scarlet and Violet and beyond, could embrace convergent evolution.
Explaining Convergent Evolution
While regional forms had been based on the unique differences that evolved through natural selection, the new controversial regional fakes seem to stem from convergent evolution. This concept centers around the phenomenon where multiple different species and animals all develop similar characteristics, even when they have very little to do with one another. It's easy to see examples of this across the animal kingdom, such as how sharks and dolphins share an uncanny resemblance despite being fish and mammals, respectively.
The reasoning behind this is that these animals responded to environmental and biological stimuli similarly, reaching the same endpoint just with different paths. Sometimes the likeness can be explained due to a common ancestor dating back millions of years, other times it's believed that characteristics organically form. Even though convergent evolution is seen across the globe, it isn't typically common knowledge, which could be why Game Freak's inclusion of it might have been surprising, even despite science being a huge part of Pokemon.
Convergent Evolution Within Pokemon
Though Wiglett might be the most obvious example of convergent evolution, it becomes easier to spot other possible examples among existing Pokemon. For instance, when Alomomola was introduced in Pokemon Black and White, many fans initially believed it was an evolution for Luvdisc due to their striking similarity, but this was never the case. Similarly, the abundance of Pokemon based on crabs and lobsters could reflect real-life carcinization, a subsection of convergent evolution, with Klawf being the latest example.
It seems that Game Freak's interpretation of convergent evolution across Pokemon uses two factors in this design approach: one is that Pokemon look visually similar, and the other is a type difference. For instance, Octillery and Grapploct are both based on octopuses, but one is a Water-type while the other is Fighting. However, as convergent evolution can still occur within the same species, some examples retain types, such as Feebas and Magikarp both being "undesirable" Water-types predominantly caught via fishing that evolve into powerful, visually similar serpent-like Pokemon.
Convergent Evolution in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Currently, Wiglett is the only example of Game Freak's new approach to convergent evolution in Scarlet and Violet. While earlier designs sharing similarities were never a major talking point for Pokemon, this explicit change could be providing some breathing room for the future design of Pokemon as regional fakes. It's unclear why Diglett and Wiglett look alike, but this could be something fans can uncover as they complete the Paldean Pokedex.
It's also difficult to imagine that Wiglett will be the only regional fake in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, as multiple versions of regional forms and evolutions were introduced in their respective games. Since sharks and dolphins are one of the most well-known examples of convergent evolution, it could be that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's rumored dolphin Pokemon is another regional fake. As Sharpedo and Gible are the closest choices for shark-based Pokemon, this might mean a dolphin Pokemon will share their designs and perhaps even be this generation's pseudo-legendary.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to release on November 18 for Nintendo Switch.