pokebioblr

[pokebioblr]

A very interesting video

How do Pikachu produce electricity?

(This is a photo of my Pikachu, Eggnog, blending in with a bunch of plushies on my bed. Isn't she cute?)

Electric types are my specialty, so I thought a great way to start off this blog would be to get into the anatomy of electric organs in pokemon! It differs depending on the species, but its pretty conserved among electric mice.

Much of Pikachu's body is made up of two dense electric organs in its body cavity. Most of the mass is in the lower half of the body, separated from the organs by a relatively thick layer of insulating fat. This is why Pikachu are heavier than you might expect for their size! These organs are made of layers of thousands of columns of cells called electrocytes arranged in series, with parallel layers separated by thin insulating tissue to prevent short circuiting. This enables them to efficiently build a high amount of current and voltage very quickly. In the chubbier parts of the arms, tail, and insulated from the organs in the rest of the body cavity are thinner layers of electrocytes to maximize electricity generation.

Interestingly, electrocytes are actually a type of modified muscle cell! Each cell is innervated by a nerve terminal where neurotransmitter release triggers an action potential similar to those in muscle cells and neurons.

The electric organs are beneath the muscle layer and separated by another layer of insulation to prevent seizing during the release of electricity. Insulated channels between the muscle layer allows the produced electricity to move past the muscle and escape through the skin. These channels can be opened and closed to direct electricity to different parts of the body for different moves (think Electro Ball!)

Pikachu fur differs from non-electric type furry pokemon in that it's actually composed of a mixture of several metals (primarily copper and zinc) coated in a thin layer of a protein similar to the chitin found in bug types. In this way, the fur acts more to conduct electricity than to insulate the pokemon against temperature loss. This makes temperature control a challenge for Pikachu, but the thick layers of fat insulation, metabolic heat from electricity production, and social huddling helps keep them warm.

You might've noticed that Pikachu's striking red electric sacs in its cheeks are completely hairless. This helps it directly conduct electricity in smaller amounts, like when communicating. These sacs are also the only electricity-generating organs in its head, and are thoroughly insulated to prevent any misfiring to the brain. This has the side effect of making its cheeks extra stretchy and squishy!

These electric sacs also differ from the main electric organs in that they have specialized battery glands that can store even more electricity. When Pikachu is asleep, they're able to "recharge" these glands similar to the process in rechargeable batteries, except with very minimal efficiency loss over its lifespan.

And there you have it! A basic run down of how Pikachu generates electricity. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to let me know! And of course, if you have any corrections, please let me know as well! I'm pretty experienced with electric types but I'm also still just a student. :]

[pokebioblr]

How do man-made pokemon work? Like polygon and it's evolutions?

Since man-made pokemon vary drastically in their physiology and behaviour, I'm focusing on the given example, Porygon, in this post. Feel free to shoot an ask about any other ones you are interested in!

Introducing Porygon!

Porygon is an artificial AI program that's learned the biology need to reproduce and survive over time. In its original form, it's a series of code intended to run a program that aids in organizing and transferring pokemon. After interacting with thousands of pokemon and working with human beings, the AI learned to mimic emotions and share many similarities with organic pokemon.

Appearance + Life History

Usually, the data is offloaded into hard drives as a program back up. A data leak (from an unnamed pokemon center) resulted in this unique specimen infecting other electronics. The original low-poly form they take is because of its source code and placement PNG design. Now, with its newly gained sentience, it prefers this form.

Once the program spread to other devices, each porygon tries to assemble itself using old scraps until it decides the body is close enough to what it would like. This is fairly easy for an analytical and precise program.

Reproduction wise, porygon simply duplicates its base code (along with important learned data) and sends it into a newly built form.

Evolutions + Other Forms

Porygon2 can be evolved via an upgrade disc. This disc contains new code, which is uploaded into a Porygon's main body. The form of the physical body is made to be more aerodynamic akin to how many devices/programs we use day to day looks more polished as time goes on.

Porygon-Z can only be evolved from Porygon2 due to how the dubious disc is only compatible with its prior evolution. The extremities are attached via magnets, and can be replaced without too much damage to the body.

Pokemon are truly incredible creatures! I highly encourage everyone to learn more about them. Even artificial pokemon like Porygon have complex histories and fascinating behaviours!

[pokebioblr]

[Image ID: digital drawing of a Pawniard on top of a photograph of a mostly-gravel garden. The Pawniard, who has sawblade hands (one damaged) and a segment of blue pool noodle over the blade on her head, is peeking over the top of a large plastic flowerpot to look at a cream-coloured daffodil flower. She holds herself up with her arms. Another daffodil bud is near her left arm, and a third bulb is beginning to sprout in the bottom left corner of the image. End ID.]

Springtime is good for Bonesaw because she likes to look at the flowers, but it also means she has to wear pool noodles in the garden again, which she isn't as happy about

[pokebioblr]

How do Pikachu produce electricity?

(This is a photo of my Pikachu, Eggnog, blending in with a bunch of plushies on my bed. Isn't she cute?)

Electric types are my specialty, so I thought a great way to start off this blog would be to get into the anatomy of electric organs in pokemon! It differs depending on the species, but its pretty conserved among electric mice.

Much of Pikachu's body is made up of two dense electric organs in its body cavity. Most of the mass is in the lower half of the body, separated from the organs by a relatively thick layer of insulating fat. This is why Pikachu are heavier than you might expect for their size! These organs are made of layers of thousands of columns of cells called electrocytes arranged in series, with parallel layers separated by thin insulating tissue to prevent short circuiting. This enables them to efficiently build a high amount of current and voltage very quickly. In the chubbier parts of the arms, tail, and insulated from the organs in the rest of the body cavity are thinner layers of electrocytes to maximize electricity generation.

Interestingly, electrocytes are actually a type of modified muscle cell! Each cell is innervated by a nerve terminal where neurotransmitter release triggers an action potential similar to those in muscle cells and neurons.

The electric organs are beneath the muscle layer and separated by another layer of insulation to prevent seizing during the release of electricity. Insulated channels between the muscle layer allows the produced electricity to move past the muscle and escape through the skin. These channels can be opened and closed to direct electricity to different parts of the body for different moves (think Electro Ball!)

Pikachu fur differs from non-electric type furry pokemon in that it's actually composed of a mixture of several metals (primarily copper and zinc) coated in a thin layer of a protein similar to the chitin found in bug types. In this way, the fur acts more to conduct electricity than to insulate the pokemon against temperature loss. This makes temperature control a challenge for Pikachu, but the thick layers of fat insulation, metabolic heat from electricity production, and social huddling helps keep them warm.

You might've noticed that Pikachu's striking red electric sacs in its cheeks are completely hairless. This helps it directly conduct electricity in smaller amounts, like when communicating. These sacs are also the only electricity-generating organs in its head, and are thoroughly insulated to prevent any misfiring to the brain. This has the side effect of making its cheeks extra stretchy and squishy!

These electric sacs also differ from the main electric organs in that they have specialized battery glands that can store even more electricity. When Pikachu is asleep, they're able to "recharge" these glands similar to the process in rechargeable batteries, except with very minimal efficiency loss over its lifespan.

And there you have it! A basic run down of how Pikachu generates electricity. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to let me know! And of course, if you have any corrections, please let me know as well! I'm pretty experienced with electric types but I'm also still just a student. :]

[pokebioblr]

Currently procrastinating. Why is Gingko like this???

[pokebioblr]

Welcome to our blog!

This blog is run by two university students and trainers (Pluto (he/they) and Thinkera). Please feel free to ask us questions about pokemon biology! This primarily includes physiology, husbandry and care, evolution (phylogeny not metamorphosis), and history, but we'll do our best regardless of the topic :]

Occasionally there might be some original posts on pokemon biology or what it's like to be a trainer in university (specifically in Unova).

[OOC below the cut vvv]

Our answers will be based as much as possible on both pokedex entries and actual biology. Both mods are biology majors and we wanted an outlet to put our degrees to good use!

This is primarily an ask blog and not really a rp blog. We're not really interested in interacting directly with sapient pokemon rp, as this blog largely treats pokemon as animals. We probably won't be able to answer all questions as we're both very busy university students. I hope you understand!

[pokebioblr]

It was colder than usual today, so Aggravated Assault gets his mittens and coat :)

[pokebioblr]

Mod Intro: Thinkera

Hi folks!

Professor Acacia has given us some science communication assignments, so I’ll be assisting Pluto on the blog.

Here’s a picture of me and Cabbage from a while back. I’ve lived in this region for most of my life, and I’ve been a big fan of the Pokémon on this region! I have a few more Pokémon friends at home, so you might see them pop up on the blog once in a while.

Currently studying Pokémon biology at Striaton University, but my interests extend to evolution/phylogeny and history as well. I work with plenty of trainers on the side, mostly focusing on teaching them Pokémon care.

I talk like a grouchy old man but I’d love to yap about my interests and learn new things. Please send in questions!

[pokebioblr]

one of my sibling's friends is muslim and she's sending me pictures of her bidoof waking up with her for suhoor as if he also has to fast

[pokebioblr]

Mod Introduction: Pluto

Hey everyone! As part of one of my classes this term (Pokemon Biology 300 under Professor Acacia) me and my friend are starting this blog to practice science communication. My friend's going to make a post here soon, but until then, here's a bit about me!

This is a picture of me and my two pokemon in Striation University's botanical garden. The Luxio's name is Faraday and the Pikachu is Eggnog. If you couldn't tell, I'm mainly an electric type trainer! I was born in the Sinnoh region, but I'm studying pokemon biology here in Unova.

I work with a professor in research on multiple organisms within single pokemon (specifically the paras line). My specialties are physiology (especially of vertebrate and insect pokemon) and pokemon husbandry and first aid. Feel free to send questions!