Professor in the Making

So... here goes nothing, I guess.

I'm (Assistant) Professor Marcus Acer, a rookie professor who has traveled from region to region to study all sorts of things, but my specialty lies in the strange variants of Pokémon that differ between regions and Pokémon families that have evolved to be similar to one another (AKA Regional Variants and Convergent Evolutions).

I don't care too much for battle, but my Pokémon sure do (especially my dragonair, Noodle), so just make sure to ask before challenging me to a fight, okay?

My current occupation (alongside some research into the strange Pokémon inside of Area Zero's crater) is that of a biology lecturer at Naranja-Uva Academy... if I've had you for a lecture, please feel free to ask me any questions.

Alright, I think that's everything, though I'll probably have to call someone over to review it eventually... do feel welcome to ask me anything in the meantime, though!

Ehhhhh it's a topic of debate between pokebiologists. Some people say that, functionally, the top of its body serves the same purpose as the shell of turtle-like pokemon (SPECIFICALLY the Squirtle line, who are known for their tendency to tuck into their shells to attack). Its previous form, Metang, also has a similar habit of tucking in its arms as well (though the initial stage, Beldum, lacks this ability, which is also an important trait to consider).

If a pokemon is tucking into its own shell, typically the purpose served is self-defense. In the case of Metagross and Metang, this tucking behaviour is typically when it is moving. It's theorized that by tucking in its arms, this makes the line more aerodynamic and thus faster when floating through the air (as opposed to their generally slow, clunky movements on the ground in the case of a grounded Metagross).

In my opinion, I think it'd be disingenuous to say that Metagross's body is a form of turtle shell in terms of the reason behind its leg tucking, but we can certainly acknowledge the anatomical structure of both the body and legs is indeed very much akin to that of turtle pokemon.

Hey teach, if someone made a man-made pokémon based on another one, would that count as convergent evolution?

Hm interesting question...

I doubt it would be, though, since they are a pokemon created specifically to resemble the traits of another rather than an unrelated species just developing those traits naturally.

For example, Wiglett and Diglett, while incredibly similar in all regards, are completely and utterly unrelated. The only reason they developed so similarly to one another was because those were the traits that suited their role in the environment. They serve entirely different roles in the ecosystem, but it just so happened that they both benefitted from their characteristic pill-shaped bodies (likely for the purpose of traversing through holes underground and underwater).

A pokemon like Mewtwo, however, was a man-made attempt to recreate a specimen to fulfill a role like that of the Mythical Pokémon, Mew. Those that created it went into it with the express purpose of designing something with the same traits to make it similar to the specimen it was modeled after.

They've got basics for hygiene and first aid, some snacks and water, and a handful of pokeballs too, just in case. Ive also got some spare camping supplies and uniforms but those are on an ask-only basis so...

I had a student come in and... with them was a variant of Roggenrola I hadnt seen since I was completing my internship in a separate region.

I like trying to do basic sketches for all of the wacky and wild variants of Pokémon I encounter but... gotta be honest, im really poor at catching the likeness of my research subjects.

Anyways. For all of your viewing pleasure, id like to introduce you to a Oaxemian Roggenrola! The one I sketched here is named Amethyst, and honestly she's the perfect specimen when it comes to these guys.

The Oaxem region is known for having some crazy biodiversity and wild scenery. These guys in particular can be found in a massive crater in the region said to have been left behind by a legendary Pokémon several millennia ago!!!

Unluckily for them, I am very persistent when it comes to things in the name of my research. Let me see the forbidden weird forms, champion Geeta

[Image ID: Marcus with his head buried in his hands, while a very concerned looking Primarina, Ariel, is poking her head over his shoulder]

There was a sunshower today.

Anyways I did not like this because I do not like battling but Noodle and Mitzy were both absolutely thrilled about this development. Even Dolenz was a little excited. So I figured that a 3v3 would be fine.

And it was, honestly. I haven't battled seriously in a few years and... brought me back to my gym challenge for a moment.

This community can be pretty overwhelmingly high-stakes sometimes so it's nice to get a breather from that

✨Ough, for some reason i did NOT receive a notification for this but,,, honestly I think it helps to hear that a little esp bc I'm still figuring out the culture of this particular community and all and worry that I'm somehow getting a bad grade in Rotomblr (something that is both normal to think and possible to achieve) T^T

Ive been considering shifting the focus of this blog a bit (and the same applies to @game-master-val ) to a more rp centric blog like my. Actual rp blogs bc I just worry that im probably not doing well enough at the whole pokeblogging thing

(Mainly bc I myself am not. Constantly blogging but also idrk how this community works still and I worry that the generally low stakes here just aren't as entertaining,,, )

Ehemlo yes this is markdis

I jam nwo a pokefnon

Please gib bfrries in order to feed mre

Pecha Ismai fabrirte

Now that I've given the background... today we were showing off some newer captures that students have acquired in the middle of their treasure hunts.

So this kid came in today with a "new, super powerful fire fish pokemon". Which didn't immediately send off any alarm bells, until I saw Raifort's face completely drop.