Pokémon Reproduction

The reproductive methods of Pokémon are different in a number of ways from most known means of animal, plant, and fungus reproduction. Unlike most Earth species, which engage in sexual reproduction, most Pokémon engage in a process of procreation which can be termed "romantic reproduction". In other words: rather than reproducing through a sexual process, most Pokémon reproduce as a result of love.

Though some arthropodal, ichthyic, avian, or otherwise non-mammalian Pokémon do breed oviparously, in general, Pokémon birth viviparously or ovoviviparously. An important point however on the topic of Pokémon live birth versus eggs is a differentiation between wild and tame Pokémon. All known Pokémon are seemingly oviparous (or perhaps a sort of unique "vivioviparous": or reversed ovoviviparity, wherein the offspring are carried in a viviparous manner until birth, when they are encased in an egg and born essentially oviparously). However, it is implied by the Pokémon Mansion journals that at least some Pokémon are purely viviparous.  

As far as can be determined, all known Pokémon reproduce asexually, through a form of romantic haplodiploidic parthenogenesis. Biological gender (distinct from sex: Pokémon do not possess genitalia) is determined by the development either of an unfertilized haploid gamete (which results in a masculine embryo), or the fertilization of a diploid zygote via the mutual union of a pair of haploids (which results in a feminine embryo). Unlike sexual reproduction, it is a form of romantic reproduction: wherein the process of procreation is originated solely in the mother, when she is subjected to sufficient romantic pheromones (not identical, but quite similar, to sex pheromones) from her chosen mate (though the mate, and thus its pheromones, must be masculine in order for conception to occur in the female), as well as heightened levels of oxytocin in her own brain (associated with romantic love for the mate). All-feminine species reproduce through parthenogenesis.  

All-masculine species are more complex: all known all-masculine Pokémon are entirely domesticated, and can be bred only with the assistance of Ditto or counterpart all-feminine morphs of the same species (Tauros and Miltank, Braviary and Mandibuzz, etc.). Some of these, such as Tauros and Miltank, cannot be bred by ordinary trainers, and only licensed breeders, farmers, etc., are permitted to breed them; Braviary and Mandibuzz present a similar case, as endangered, protected species. Some, such as Tyrogue, originally possessed a feminine morph in the wild, but after being domesticated and bred for masculinity and battle instincts, they no longer mate without the assistance of Ditto (though theoretically some may have active "female" reproductive systems: they fail to breed only because they are so combative that they do not easily form loving bonds between members of their own species). It is possible that all Pokémon—male, female, and non-binary genders—possess potentially functional and identical reproductive systems: the feminine are simply more suited to actually producing and raising offspring.

However, there are distinct changes in the reproductive behaviors of Pokémon in captivity, as opposed to the wild. Typically, in the wild, Pokémon reproduce only by forming a mating bond with a member of their own species, of the opposite gender (though homoromantic mating bonds have been documented). However, in captivity, Pokémon very often form mating bonds and procreate with any other Pokémon of the opposite gender which is of the same Egg Group (or reproductive grouping; generally confined to similar types or habitats), if they are confined together (Pokémon Day Care and similar facilities frequently report inter-species mating bonds producing eggs). 

An intriguing aspect of this process is that all known Pokémon produce eggs when breeding in captivity (specifically confined areas, such as the Pokémon Day Care), even species which are ordinarily viviparous. However, in cases in which naturally viviparous species produce eggs in captivity, the "eggs" can be considered more similar to a "cradle" of sorts: a natural defense. When kept in close quarters, the biological process of reproduction in many Pokémon is altered slightly: as a primitive defense mechanism to protect their newborns, an atavistic physiological change causes an egg-like shell to develop around the fetus inside the uterus. This is useful as a biological process, since it allows protects the mother as well as the offspring: the excess materials (afterbirth) associated with gestation are safely expelled from the mother, inside of the egg. In the wild, viviparous Pokémon, without having the egg as a means to expel the placenta from the womb, generally engage in ordinary viviparous afterbirth, and ultimately consume the placenta for the benefit of prostaglandin (as is common in most species of placental mammals). 

All known Pokémon which have been documented as breeding "vivioviparously" (in the manner described above) do so in single births; there are no recorded instances of multiple births in captivity. This is likely due to the unusual nature of the process which leads to the development of the egg: only a single fetus is able to be properly encased in the egg, and thus any multiple births would result in miscarriage. 

However, though all Pokémon reproduce (whatever the method), some develop anti-reproductive behaviors when in captivity, or when exposed to excessive human influence. For example, Nidoran and its mature stages are capable of breeding in the wild, however female members of the species (Nidorina and Nidoqueen) develop staunchly anti-procreative behaviors in captivity, and refuse to mate (regardless of their mating partner).

They are capable of forming mating bonds, however, in captivity their brains become non-responsive to romantic pheromones, and their reproductive processes are not triggered. Nidorino and Nidoking, on the other hand, frequently mate with Pokémon of other species, within compatible Egg Groups (or with Ditto, transformed into a Nidorina or Nidoqueen). However, as Nidoqueen and Nidoking are virtually nonexistent in the wild, it is unknown if they are capable of breeding outside of captivity. 

This behavior bears some resemblance to the extreme anti-breeding behaviors developed by pandas and echidnas in captivity.

So-called "legendary" Pokémon are typified by a similar reluctance to mate in captivity; a feature which has contributed to their mythical status. 


Ditto represents an intriguing case, since it is capable of transforming: and thus capable of mating and reproducing with any Pokémon (though some, such as "legendaries", refuse to do so in captivity). However, Ditto's means of reproduction within its own species is not carried out in this manner: Ditto multiply by fragmentation. 

Porygon and its variations also present an unusual case, as they are entirely artificial Pokémon, and non-biological. Given they have no intrinsic reproductive systems, and they produce no romantic pheromones, Porygon's reproduction is somewhat of a mystery. Porygon's virtual form is copy-protected, and thus cannot be duplicated digitally except under special license; however, Ditto is capable of mating and breeding with Porygon (though the precise means are unknown; it is likely through a combination of biological and non-biological mechanisms, which Ditto is capable of, but Porygon is not).

Conclusion: In short, Pokémon do not reproduce by sex, as most creatures do, but by love; their asexual breeding is triggered by romantic causes, and their birthing is complex, and varies by species and circumstance (in particular, capture causes a drastic change in typical mating habits, for many species). Another post will cover Pokémon genders and their functions more comprehensively.

Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur

Bulbasaur ~ Fushigidane (フシギダネ) 
Ivysaur ~ Fushigisou (フシギソウ)
Venusaur ~ Fushigibana (フシギバナ)

Type[s]: Grass/Poison

Classification[s]: Seed Pokémon

Pokédex Number: 

• #001 (Bulbasaur) 
• #002 (Ivysaur) 
• #oo3 (Venusaur)

Average height: 

• 2'4" (0.71m) (Bulbasaur) 
• 3'3" (0.99m) (Ivysaur) 
• 6'7" (2.01m) (Venusaur)

Average weight:  

• 15.2lbs (6.9kg) (Bulbasaur) 
• 28.7lbs (13kg) (Ivysaur) 
• 220.5lbs (100kg) (Venusaur)

Egg Group[s]: Grass, Monster

Abilities: Overgrow; Chlorophyll (hidden)

Bulbasaur, and its adolescent (Ivysaur) and adult (Venusaur) stages, comprise the first three Pokémon of the complete Pokédex: as well as the first Grass-Types, first Poison-Types, first starter Pokémon, and first evolutionary family. 

The Bulbasaur family is rare in the wild; though, due to its status as a starter Pokémon, they are quite common in captivity. Bulbasaur's natural habitat is generally open grasslands, though as juveniles they may inhabit woodlands; though they are threatened by human encroachment and destruction of habitat. 

Similar to synapsids morphologically, Bulbasaur has features both reptilian and mammalian in its anatomy. However, as with many Pokémon, Bulbasaur are born pseudo-vivaparously: that is, are gestated inside of the pregnant mother, but are enveloped and laid as an egg late in development. In Bulbasaur's case, nutrient-rich seeds are produced by the plant on a pregnant female Venusaur's back, and attach symbiotically to developing Bulbasaur fetuses (Bulbasaur embryos are oriented in a Venusaur mother's uterus in such a way that the seeds nearly always attach themselves to the developing fetus' vertebral column; however defects in this very delicate process can lead to stillbirths, in which the seed attaches improperly; defects are virtually guaranteed in multiple births, and hence instances of healthy twin Bulbasaur are all but nonexistent).

Like most other Pokémon, Bulbasaur generally reproduce asexually, through a form of romantic haplodiploidic parthenogenesis: wherein biological gender is determined by the development either of an unfertilized haploid gamete (which results in a male embryo), or the fertilization of a diploid zygote via the union of a pair of haploids (which results in a female embryo). Unlike sexual reproduction, it is a form of romantic reproduction: wherein the process of procreation is originated solely in the mother, when she is subjected to sufficient romantic pheromones (similar, but distinct, to sex pheromones) from her chosen mate (though the mate, and thus its pheromones, must be male in order for conception to occur in the female), as well as heightened levels of oxytocin in her own brain (associated with romantic love for the mate). Because of this, Bulbasaur are monogamous, and mate for life. In Bulbasaur, it is far more common for offspring to be conceived from unfertilized gametes, and thus approximately 87.5% of Bulbasaur progeny are haploid, and become males, while only 12.5% are diploid, and become females. 

As with most other Pokémon, Bulbasaur in the wild almost always breed with mates of their own kind; whereas in captivity, they are known to form mating bonds and reproduce with other species of Pokémon of compatible love pheromones (i.e., Pokémon within the same Egg Group).

Copyright Ⓒ Joshua Dunlop

Bulbasaur possess very solid and robust bones, which grow increasingly sturdy throughout their life cycle (as it matures and evolves into Ivysaur and Venusaur, its skeleton is gradually strengthened by xylem, cellulose, and lignin contributed from the plant on its back). During early development, the roots of the plant on a Bulbasaur's back spread and conjoin themselves densely through the vertebrae and ribcage, and make connections with the Bulbasaur's brain (allowing the Bulbasaur to send and receive neural signals to and from the plant, and thus have a degree of control and symbiosis with it). Due to the plant's roots intertwined with its skeletal and muscular systems, Bulbasaur have relatively limited and slow movement, especially in the spinal region; however, as Bulbasaur and Ivysaur, they are capable of moving rather quickly, due to their robust leg muscles (though their spines and skulls remain comparatively stationary).

Bulbasaur, being the youngest and weakest stage of it's life cycle, does not generally choose to hunt, or to forage: instead, it may disguise itself as a plant (either by hiding in foliage, or grass, or burying its body up to its bulb in mud or earth), and acquires energy via photosynthesis, and from the nutrient-rich seeds in its bulb. Bulbasaur may also rear up on its hind legs for brief periods, to see over the tall grass which is typical of its habitat (though it gradually loses this ability as it matures and evolves, as its legs and skeletal structure adapt to the weight of the growing plant on its back).

Due to its limitation in the movement of its spine, Bulbasaur and its mature forms are generally incapacitated if they are so unlucky as to be turned over on their side. However, they may be capable of using the vines of the plant on their back (which they can control at will, like tentacular appendages) to correct their position and turn themselves upright again. It is thought by some that the difficulty of being caught on their sides was a reason which led to the evolution of Bulbasaur's ability to manipulate its plant's vines. Though its vines are generally retracted inside its body (and coiled around the interior base of the plant), Bulbasaur is capable of lashing out with its vines at considerable speed. In general purpose, Bulbasaur's vines are among its primary defenses: it is famous for its Vine Whip, in which it can lash its vines like whips, as a weapon. Bulbasaur also possesses a layer of rigid-edged, razor-sharp leaves which grow rapidly beneath its primary layer of leaves: these can be detached at will via specialized muscle movements, and launched as projectiles, with impressive speed and accuracy. This Razor Leaf technique is the more violent and aggressive of Bulbasaur's defenses; Ivysaur favor it as a hunting method. Petal Dance is a move which operates under a similar principle, though it is only certain Bulbasaur which possess the specialized layer of petals needed to perform the technique. 

Any given Bulbasaur has a finite number of its specialized razor leaves and/or petals at any one time, and so it has a certain "ammunition", which can be expended through overuse; however, they will grow back very quickly.

Though partially photosynthetic, Bulbasaur remains predominantly herbivorous throughout its life cycle; though Ivysaur may be partly omnivorous. Bulbasaur and its mature stages possess powerful jaw muscles, and thick mandibles; they have very few teeth however, having only premolars, and a beak (somewhat chelonian in external morphology). Though absent in juveniles, Ivysaur and Venusaur develop tusks in their upper jaw, similar to dicynodonts (though only a small portion of the tusks are visible when the mouth is closed). These tusks are present in both genders, and are generally used for confronting predators or adversaries (and, in Ivysaur's case, occasionally hunting). The diet of the Bulbasaur family generally consists of grasses, herbs, flowers, leafy greens, and some fruits and berries; they may also eat worms or insects, and Ivysaur may hunt or scavenge carrion from small animals or Pokémon, such as Rattata or Oddish. Upon evolution into its adult stage, the plant on its back adapts to become partially carnivorous: in order to supply additional energy to Venusaur, it attracts, digests, and metabolizes insects and Bug-Type Pokémon with a cocktail of fragrant aromas. 

Ivysaur begins to produce a fragrant nectar in its bulb as it matures; the aroma generally increases in intensity leading up to its evolution into Venusaur, when the production of nectar is generally reserved for mating season, and serves as a signal to potential mates. Female Venusaur possess a large seed pod in their flower, which produces the seeds that will be implanted into embryonic Bulbasaur in utero.

Though it is born with only partially-developed ears, lacking an open pinna, as it matures and evolves into Ivysaur, the pinna develops into a full external ear; as Venusaur, it has a strong sense of hearing. Bulbasaur possesses a thick skin, which varies in hue from bluish to bluish-green (and usually becomes more bluish as it matures), spotted with irregular patches of darker pigmentation; upon evolution into Venusaur however, the pigmentation becomes saturated and blends with the general coloration of its skin, and its skin becomes thicker, and gains callosity, and bony synapsid-like osteoderms reinforced with cellulose fibers. 

In the wild, Bulbasaur generally live to be around 50 years of age, however in captivity they may live up to twice their average wild lifespan. In the wild, Bulbasaur mature through their levels at a rate of on-average three levels per year, generally evolving into Ivysaur starting at Lv.16 (usually at around five or six years of age), and evolving again into Venusaur beginning at Lv.32 (usually at around ten years of age). In captivity however, as with most Pokémon, it is common for human interaction and Pokémon battling to cause their maturation process to accelerate, reaching its evolution levels and maturity in a matter of only months or years (or, in the care of a skilled trainer, a matter of weeks).

Capable of Mega Evolution, Venusaur can be artificially induced to temporarily evolve into a form further developed than its mature state. This does not occur in the wild, and is possible only by exposure of Venusaur to Venusaurite (Fushigibanite, フシギバナイト), an artificial crystalline substance that induces Mega Evolution in Venusaur when charged with energy from a corresponding Key Stone. Venusaurite is made from a similar material to Evolutionary Stones, Reveal Glass, and other evolution-inducing substances. When Mega Evolved, Venusaur becomes Mega Venusaur, and acquires power at the limits of its species. The plant on its back grows into an overdeveloped treelike state, granting Mega Venusaur a hugely increased supply of energy compared to its ordinary form. The additional energy thickens the hide and osteoderms of the Pokémon, and provides it with a layer of fat: these adaptations combined provide Mega Venusaur with greatly increased resistance to heat and cold, allowing it to withstand even Fire- and Ice-Type attacks with far greater ease.

Bulbasaur and its mature stages are regarded as very loyal and obedient Pokémon, and will form strong emotional bonds with their trainers.

Origins of Mew ~ Ancestor or Descendant?

Consider: Many of Mew's Pokédex entries attest to it's status as a maboroshi-no-Pokémon (幻のポケモン; an "illusory Pokémon"; that is, effectively a Pokémon cryptid), as well as its ability to learn all moves. Some of its Pokédex entries state that its genome contains the collective genomes of all Pokémon (which is thought to be the reason for its ability to learn all moves). Some of said that Mew cannot learn all moves, merely most moves; it cannot learn very exclusive moves, such as Roar of Time, Conversion, Bonemerang, etc.  
However, I posit that Mew can in fact learn those moves, since its Pokédex entries do clearly state that it can learn all moves. The simple reason that exclusive, signature moves cannot be learned in-game by Mew, I believe, is quite simply that no signature move could possibly be recorded in TM or HM form: the fact that there is no means by which it could learn to perform the move is not necessarily evidence that it is incapable of learning the move.

Mew's Pokédex Entries

Generation I
Red So rare that it is still said to be a mirage by many experts. Only a few people have seen it worldwide. Blue Yellow When viewed through a microscope, this Pokémon's short, fine, delicate hair can be seen. Stadium A mythical Pokémon of South America which had been thought extinct. A growing number of people have seen it recently.

Generation II

Gold Apparently, it appears only to those people who are pure of heart and have a strong desire to see it. Silver Its DNA is said to contain the genetic codes of all Pokémon, so it can use all kinds of techniques. Crystal Because it can learn anymove, some people began research to see if it is the ancestor of all Pokémon. Stadium 2 Apparently, it appears only to those people who are pure of heart and have a strong desire to see it.

Generation III

Ruby Mew is said to possess the genetic composition of all Pokémon. It is capable of making itself invisible at will, so it entirely avoids notice even if it approaches people. Sapphire Emerald A Mew is said to possess the genes of all Pokémon. It is capable of making itself invisible at will, so it entirely avoids notice even if it approaches people. FireRed A Pokémon of South America that was thought to have been extinct. It is very intelligent and learns any move. LeafGreen So rare that it is still said to be a mirage by many experts. Only a few people have seen it worldwide.

Generation IV
Diamond Because it can use all kinds of moves, many scientists believe Mew to be the ancestor of Pokémon. Pearl Platinum HeartGold Apparently, it appears only to those people who are pure of heart and have a strong desire to see it. SoulSilver Its DNA is said to contain the genetic codes of all Pokémon, so it can use all kinds of techniques.

Generation V
Black Because it is able to use every move, there are many scientists who believe that it is the ancestor of all Pokémon. White Black 2 Because it can use all kinds of moves, many scientists believe Mew to be the ancestor of Pokémon. White 2

Generation VI
X Because it can use all kinds of moves, many scientists believe Mew to be the ancestor of Pokémon. Y Its DNA is said to contain the genetic codes of all Pokémon, so it can use all kinds of techniques.

Bulbapedia ®

It is claimed that Mew may be the ancestor of all Pokémon, because its genome contains the genetic material of all known Pokémon (and presumably unknown; consider the fact that its Pokédex entries have affirmed its genetics despite the discovery of many hundreds of Pokémon since Generation II, when it was first stated to have the DNA of all Pokémon). However, an important distinction is made: they state quite plainly that its genome contains the genetic material of all Pokémon, however, they make quite clear that the notion that it is a common ancestor of Pokémon is a simply a hypothesis. But, as a partially-trained evolutionary biologist and zoologist myself, my first instinct of course is: that's absurd, that hypothesis would require evolution to operate in reverse (i.e., that the universal common ancestral species, rather than being very simple and possessing a miniscule genome, possessed a genome containing a huge selection of DNA, from which all other species would be parceled a predetermined portion). 

Speculation: There are effectively three explanations for these observations:

• Mew is an extraterrestrial species, which evolved elsewhere in the universe and came to Earth, and then served as the common ancestor of Earth life. This scenario requires Pokémon evolutionary descent to operate in an entirely different manner from the known principles of natural selection, gene flow, speciation, etc. (not an impossibility, though there is evidence to suggest that Pokémon evolve in the same, or a similar, manner as is known (this is distinct from the "evolution" which Pokémon undergo, which is more akin to a form of metamorphosis)).

• Mew is, as many believe, the common ancestor of all Pokémon: the genomes of all Pokémon contain fragments of Mew's genetic material. In this scenario, the existence of Mew on Earth is unexplained.

Or, the most bizarre possibility, and the most intriguing to me...

• Mew is in fact a universal Pokémon descendant: Mew is a Pokémon from the future, and is a sort of fusion of the genomes of all Pokémon (perhaps created through artificial means?).

Given Mew is known to be capable of surviving and traveling in outer space, it's entirely possible that Mew is an extraterrestrial Pokémon; it's not totally unreasonable to think that this scenario could have been the origin of all Pokémon. However, that would require for there to be absolutely zero mutation and/or generation of new genetic material over the course of billions of years: a virtual impossibility, or at best very unlikely, given the molecular makeup of deoxyribonucelotides and the processes of natural selection and breeding. The only argument that would stand up whatsoever I think is simply that Pokémon and their breeding and evolution is not quite the same as ordinary animals (somewhat of a cop-out, in my opinion, but reasonable; after all, Skitty and Wailord are capable of breeding and producing viable offspring; this suggests that the Egg Groups of Pokémon are indications of genetic compatibility).

Tangent: It is also theoretically possible that popular opinion is correct: Arceus (thought by some to be the creator of the Pokémon world) created Mew, and a proliferation of Mews essentially "evolved" into all other species of Pokémon. I for one am a Poké-atheist: that is, I do not believe that Arceus created the Pokémon world, or that it's a god, or anything more than a very rare and powerful Pokémon. The "Mew Problem" is one of the primary reasons why I cannot rationally accept Arceus as a creator-deity of Pokémon: if you believe in Arceus as creator, and Mew as common ancestor... then which came first? Arceus or Mew? This logical inconsistency is among the most compelling reasons why I do not believe that Arceus is a creator god. Arceus cannot be the creator of its own ancestor. But I digress...

Hypothesis: I have developed a theoretical solution to these problems of Mew's origins: one could call it the "Descendant Hypothesis". More specifically, I believe that perhaps Mew is not a common ancestor of Pokémon, but instead a common descendant: somehow (perhaps due to the aforementioned Egg Groups of Pokémon), Mew is a sort of hybrid or universal descendant of all Pokémon (including all extinct and yet-to-be-discovered species). A number of Pokémon are known to be capable of traversing different dimensions, traveling through space and time, etc.; Mew, being capable of using all techniques known by other Pokémon, would logically be able to do these things as well. Thus, hypothetically, Mew is not an ancient, ancestral Pokémon from which all others are descended, but instead a universal descendant, into which all Pokémon lineages eventually converge, at some time in the future. This is theoretically possible given the unusual nature of Pokémon breeding: namely, because of the Egg Groups. If such seemingly divergent species as Diglett and Wailord (both members of the Field Egg Group) are capable of breeding and producing viable offspring, then it is far from impossible (in fact, rather probable) that at some time in the future, the Egg Groups would essentially merge into a single reproductive category, wherein all Pokémon would be capable of breeding with any other and yielding offspring.

Speculation: Mew, being genderless and of the Undiscovered Egg Group, does not breed with any known Pokémon. However, there is an intriguing link which can theoretically be made between Mew and Ditto. Many Pokémon theorists have noted the similarities between Mew and Ditto (coloration, weight, Transform, etc.), and that Ditto was originally to be found in the Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island, where research and experimentation on Mew and Mewtwo was conducted. Thus, many (myself included) have reached the conclusion that Ditto was created accidentally, essentially as failed attempts to clone Mew. Thus, theoretically, Ditto is effectively a mass of slime composed of Mew cells (explaining its ability to use Transform, as Mew can, since it possesses the genetic material of all Pokémon). Why is this relevant, you ask? Because of Ditto's well-known association with Pokémon breeding and Egg Groups.

Consider: Ditto is capable of breeding with any Pokémon (despite being genderless and of the Undiscovered Egg Group; the same as Mew). I speculate that Mew is the result of interbreeding between a universal Egg Group, or effectively a descendant of all Pokémon. What sort of event would facilitate the merging of the Egg Groups, shatter the boundaries between different breeding categories of Pokémon, and allow for the emergence of a singular, universal hybrid Pokémon? Ditto. A Pokémon capable of interbreeding with all Egg Groups. 

Speculation: Does this then mean that Mew is essentially descended from Ditto? But isn't that the exact opposite of what most Ditto-Mew connection theories suggest? Yes. However, I do believe there's room for both theories. Whereas Arceus cannot learn all moves, and thus cannot logically be a creator and a descendant simultaneously, Mew has no such logical difficulty. A Pokémon such as Mew, capable of traveling through time, is capable of both at once.

Hypothesis: Perhaps Mew and Ditto form a "temporal loop": that is to say, a circle in time. Mew is descended from Ditto interbreeding with all species of Pokémon, and Ditto came about because Mew travelled backwards in time from the future. A temporal loop (bizarre and mind-boggling as it is to ponder) is logically consistent. 

Conclusion: Is Mew an alien? Possibly. However that explanation, and the other variant of the "Ancestor Hypothesis", raise more questions than they answer about Mew. Could it really be that Mew might be a sort of "all-in-one" super-Pokémon, descended from Ditto (and the Pokémon from which Ditto was created, at the same time)? We'll probably never know for sure. But hey, Mew is the New Pokémon, after all... Maybe it's nothing, but at the very least, it seems to fit in perfectly with the theory, yeah? As far as I think can be seen, the Descendant Hypothesis is the only theory which fully explains Mew's existence.