Can You Name the Animals These Pokémon Are Based On?

By: Khadija Leon
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name the Animals These Pokémon Are Based On?
Image: OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International

About This Quiz

When it comes to creating fictional characters, creators and animators can draw inspiration from anything: natural disasters and phenomena, their own imagination, other characters and even animals. While many of these characters look completely different from their inspirations, there are some of them which bear a striking resemblance to the things which they were inspired by.

Pokémon is just one of the many franchises whose characters are based on animals, whether they be real or fantastical, based on folktales and lore. To further add to the complexity of the Pokémon, they all fall into categories known as types, which their physical features are specially adapted to. For example, many of the Water-type Pokémon possess features similar to animals found in water environments, such as shells, fins, gills and tails. Further, most Pokémon can evolve from one version to another as they gain strength and level up.

How well do you know your Pokémon? If you were given images of, say, 40 of these fictional creatures, would you be able to tell what real-life animals they were based on? Some will definitely be easy to identify, but only a real expert can correctly name all of the animals that they were inspired by. 

Take this quiz to see how well you will perform. 

Beedrill
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
What is the name of the animal which Beedrill is based on?
Python
Slender-snouted crocodile
Asian giant hornet
Clouded leopard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Beedrill is a Bug/Poison-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I as an evolved form of Kakuna. The Pokémon’s design was based on a bee, but many people have likened it to the Asian giant hornet.

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Ursaring
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Ursaring is a Generation II Normal-type Pokémon. Which of these animals was it inspired by?
Tawny Frogmouth
Bear
Ostrich
Whale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ursaring is a Normal-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation II as the evolved form of Teddiursa. The Pokémon is based on a bear but incorporated features from both the sun bear and the Ussuri brown bear.

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Seel
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
The Pokémon Seel looks exactly like the animal which it is based on. What is this animal called?
Southern screamer
Harp seal
Iguana
Aardvark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Seel is a Water-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I and later evolves into Dewgong. The design of the Pokémon is based on a seal pup, most likely that of the harp seal.

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Victreebel
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Victreebel is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon which was based on the real-life ____________.
Gelada
Sloth bear
Pitcher plant
King cobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Victreebel is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon which evolves from Weepinbell when it is exposed to a Leaf Stone. This particular Pokémon is based on the carnivorous plant known as the pitcher plant.

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Seaking
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
One of these animals was the inspiration for the Water-type Pokémon called Seaking. What is that animal's name?
Pelican
Takin
Orange goldfish
Cheetah
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Seaking is a Water-type Generation I Pokémon which evolves from Goldeen once reaching level 33. The Pokémon is based on a variant of the orange goldfish with the coloration and markings of a shubunkin goldfish.

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Rhydon
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
What is the name of the animal which Rhydon is based on?
African bullfrog
Common squirrel monkey
Spotted pig​
Rhinoceros
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rhydon is a Ground/Rock-type Pokémon which evolved from Rhyhorn at level 42 and is then able to evolve into Rhyperior. The Pokémon takes much of its inspiration from the rhinoceros, with some features taken from different dinosaurs.

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Tauros
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which animal was the inspiration for the creation of Tauros?
Jaguar
Kagu
Bull
Wallaby
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tauros is a Normal-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I as the counterpart of Miltank. Based on the constellation Taurus, the Pokémon’s design is similar to that of a bull, with elements of a bison.

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Metapod
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
If this Pokémon were an animal, it would be a _____________.
Green chrysalis
Raccoon
Saiga
Prairie dog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Metapod is a Bug-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I as the evolved form of Caterpie. The Pokémon’s green segmented body resembles a green chrysalis, which is the pupal stage of the butterfly.

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Pidgey
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which animal was the inspiration for the Pokémon Pidgey?
Desert tortoise
Porcupine
Sea lion
Cedar waxwing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pidgey is a Normal/Flying-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I. It is able to evolve into Pidgeotto and later Pidgeot. Although its name is closer to "pigeon," it resembles the cedar waxwing.

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Kakuna
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Kakuna was inspired by one of these animals. Which one is it?
Secretary​ bird
Bee pupa
Red panda
Cockatoo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kakuna is a Generation I Bug/Poison-type Pokémon which evolves from Weedle starting at level 7 and evolves into Beedrill starting at level 10. Its design was based on the pupa stage of a bee, a form which it stays in until it evolves.

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Clauncher
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which of the following animals was this Pokémon's design influenced by?
Giant panda
Dung beetle
Koala
Snapping shrimp
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Clauncher is a Generation VI Water-type Pokémon which is able to evolve into Clawitzer. The Pokémon is based on the snapping shrimp, although some people have likened it to a mutated American lobster.

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Charmander
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which animal was the inspiration behind​ the Pokémon Charmander?
Pygmy marmoset
Ringtail possum
Salamander
Camel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Charmander is a Fire-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I and is able to evolve into Charmeleon and then Charizard. It is one of the starter Pokémon in many of the games, and its design is based on a salamander.

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Poliwag
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
At high levels Poliwag can evolve into​ Poliwhirl and Poliwrath or Politoed, but what animal was the inspiration for this Pokémon?
Transparent tadpole
Banded archer fish
Maned wolf
Red kangaroo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Poliwag is a Water-type Pokémon which is able to evolve into Poliwhirl and later Poliwrath or Politoed. It is based on the transparent tadpole, found in Costa Rica, whose skin is see-through, allowing its internal organs to be seen.

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Dewgong
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
The Generation I Water/Ice-type Pokémon was based on one of the animals listed here. Which one is it?
Zebra
Dugong
Humboldt penguin
Jaguar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dewgong is a Water/Ice-type Generation I Pokémon which evolves from Seel beginning at level 34. Although its predecessor is based on a seal, Dewgong is based on an aquatic mammal called the dugong, which can be found living in tropical waters.

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Krookodile
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Krookodile is a Ground/Dark-type Pokémon which is based on what animal?
Lion
Gharial
Two-toed sloth
Caribbean flamingo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Krookodile is a Ground/Dark-type Pokémon which is the evolved form of Krokorok and can evolve into Sandile. The maroon, black and white colored Pokémon bears much resemblance to the gharial, also known as the fish-eating crocodile, mainly because of its long snout.

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Stunfisk
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which animal was the inspiration behind the Pokémon known as Stunfisk?
Cheetah
Peacock
Western lowland gorilla
Stargazer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stunfisk is a Ground/Electric-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation V. One of the many animals that the Pokémon has been said to be based on is the stargazer – a fish which likes to bury itself in the sand.

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Psyduck
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Psyduck is a Water-type Pokémon which shares many features with what animal?
Platypus
Kiwi
Dhole
Bali myna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Psyduck is a Water-type Pokémon which was first seen in Generation I and is able to evolve into Golduck once it reaches level 33. Although it is called Psyduck, its main inspiration was a platypus, with a few elements from a duck.

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Articuno
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
One of these animals was the inspiration for the Legendary Pokémon known as Articuno. Which is it?
Dwarf Mongoose
Bonobo
Quetzal
Amur tiger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Articuno is an Ice/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I. Anatomically, it is very similar to a rare bird called the quetzal, but the Pokémon’s color is significantly different.

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Huntail
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
One of these animals provided the initial inspiration for the Water-type Pokémon known as Huntail. What is this animal called?
Oarfish
Honey badger
Gouldian finch
Beaded lizard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Huntail is a Water-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation III as the evolved version of Clamperl after being traded while holding a Deep Sea Tooth. Because of its crest and fins, the Pokémon has been likened to an oarfish.

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Sandshrew
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which of these animals is the Pokémon Sandshrew based on?
Kingfisher
Harpy eagle
Goliath
Pangolin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sandshrew is a Ground-type Pokémon which is able to evolve into Sandslash when it reaches level 22. The Pokémon has qualities of an armadillo, but most of its physical features resemble the pangolin.

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Bulbasaur
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
One animal inspired the creators of Pokémon to make Bulbasaur​. Which was it?
Frog
Koala
Bobcat
Tarantula
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bulbasaur is a Grass/Poison Pokémon which is able to evolve into Ivysaur once it reaches level 16 and then into Venusaur when it gets to level 32. It is said to resemble a frog, with the bulb on its back being a lily or onion.

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Paras
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which animal laid the groundwork for the creation of the Bug/Grass-type Pokémon, Paras?
Cicada nymph
Surinam toad
Pancake tortoise
Fennec Fox
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Paras is a Bug/Grass-type Pokémon which is able to evolve into Parasect once it reaches level 24. The name "Paras" is a shortened form of the word parasite, in reference to the parasitic mushroom growing on its back. The animal itself is a cicada nymph.

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Emolga
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
This Pokémon looks exactly like the animal it was inspired by. What is the name of the animal?
Flying squirrel
Emu
Red panda
Pygmy loris
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Emolga is an Electric/Flying-type Pokémon which was first seen in Generation V of the Pokémon series. The white rodent-like creature with yellow cheek patches (which it uses to create electricity) and yellow wing flaps resembles a flying squirrel.

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Luvdisc
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Luvdisc is a Water-type Pokémon with features similar to which of these animals?
White-faced saki
Vervet monkey​
Kissing gourami
Fossa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Luvdisc is a Water-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation III and is not known to evolve into or from any Pokémon. It was named after the discus fish and also based on the fish called the kissing gourami.

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Mudkip
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
What is the name of the animal which inspired the creation of Mudkip?
Axolotl
Hummingbird
Vampire bat
Nile crocodile
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mudkip is a Water-type Pokémon which is able to evolve into Marshtomp once it reaches level 16 and then Swampert once it reaches level 36. It is one of the starter Pokémon in many of the video games, and it is based on the axolotl, or perhaps the mudpuppy.

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Goomy
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which of these animals does the Pokémon Goomy share many features with?
Meerkat
Nudibranch
Magpie goose
Macaw
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Goomy is a Dragon-type Pokémon which is able to evolve into Sliggoo and Goodra at higher levels. The Generation VI Pokémon has been said to resemble the nudibranch – a type of sea slug.

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Vileplume
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
What is the name of the organism which inspired the Grass/Poison-type Pokémon called Vileplume?
Corpse flower
Saddle billed stork
Flamingo
Maned wolf
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vileplume is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I and evolves from Gloom. Like its predecessor, it is based on the foul-smelling corpse flower – the largest individual flower in the world.

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Sandslash
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which animal was the inspiration for Sandslash - the Ground-type Generation I Pokémon?
Crowned eagle
Tapir
Pangolin
Mandrill
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sandslash is a Ground-type Pokémon which was first introduced in Generation I as an evolved form of Sandshrew. The Pokémon shares many traits with the pangolin, and many of its powers are also based on the physical traits of the animal.

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Shellos
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Shellos is a Water-type Pokémon, based on the real-life creature known as _____________.
Anaconda
Chromodoris lochi
Stick insect
Ocelot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shellos is a Water-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation IV and comes in two different colors – the pink West Sea and the blue East Sea. They are based on the sea slug known as the Chromodoris lochi.

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Caterpie
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which animal is the Pokémon known as Caterpie based on?
Waxbill
Asian swallowtail caterpillar
Bald eagle chick
Binturong
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Caterpie is a Bug-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I and is able to evolve into Metapod and then Butterfree. It is a stylized version which is said to resemble the Asian swallowtail caterpillar, also called the Chinese yellow swallowtail caterpillar.

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Vulpix
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which of these animals inspired the creation of Vulpix, a Fire-type Pokémon?
Sumatran orangutan
Gaboon viper
Hedgehog
Fox
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vulpix is a Fire-type Generation I Pokémon which is able to evolve into Ninetales after being exposed to a Fire Stone. It is based on a fox, specifically the kitsune, a Japanese mythical creature known for its many tails and being able to breathe fire.

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Drowzee
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which animal was the​ inspiration for the Psychic-type Pokémon known as Drowzee?
Nile crocodile
Dung beetle
Tapir
Vampire bat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drowzee is a Psychic-type Generation I Pokémon which is able to evolve into Hypno once it reaches level 26. The Pokémon, which resembles a tapir, is able to put people to sleep and then get a sense of the person’s dreams.

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Rattata
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Rattata is a Normal-type Pokémon which is able to evolve into Raticate. Which animal laid the groundwork for this Pokémon?
Puma
Cichlid
White-bellied spider monkey
Large rock rat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rattata is a Normal-type Pokémon which can evolve into Raticate once it reaches level 20. While its name indicates that it is based on a breed of rat, the specific type may be the large rock rat, or the Elvira rat, which can be found in India.

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Mankey
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
What is the name of the ​animal which Mankey, the Fighting-type Pokémon, is based on?
Ladybug
Vulture
Orangutan
Barbary Macaque
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mankey is a Fighting-type Generation I Pokémon which evolves into Primeape once it reaches level 28. Most of the features of this Pokémon are based on those of a Barbary macaque, but there are also features of a baboon.

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Magikarp
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
This Generation I Water-type Pokémon is based on one of these animals. What is it called?
Jaguar
Andean condor
Yellow-eyed rockfish
African penguin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Magikarp is a Water-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I and is able to evolve into Gyarados once it reaches level 20. Not only is it based on the yellow-eyed rockfish, but it also shares the real fish’s colors.

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Chatot
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
What is the name of the animal which inspired this Pokémon?
King snake
Masked love bird
Toucan
Cottonmouth
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chatot is a Normal/Flying-type Pokémon which was first seen in Generation IV of the Pokémon series. Its name comes from a combination of "chat" and "parrot." The Pokémon resembles a small parrot known as the masked lovebird. Chatot's head is shaped like an eighth note, and its tail is a metronome.

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Pikachu
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
This famous Electric-type Pokémon is based on an animal which looks like it. What is it called?
Otter
Mountain Lion
Stork
Pika mouse
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon which was first introduced in Generation I and was typically seen alongside Ash as one of the main characters in the series. Pikachu is based on a small rodent known as the pika mouse, for which it was named.

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Gorebyss
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Gorebyss is a Water-type Pokémon which evolves from Clamperl. Which of the animals on Earth is it based on?
Trumpeter swan
Cassowary
King cobra
Long-nosed chimaera
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gorebyss is a Generation III Water-type Pokémon which evolves from Clamperl when holding a Deep Sea Scale. The Pokémon has been likened to many different animals, one of which is the long-nosed chimaera. Others include the pipefish and the snipe eel.

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Farfetch’d
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International
Which of these animals inspired the creation of Farfetch'd?
Golden lion tamarin
Duck
Bird of paradise
Snow leopard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Farfetch’d is a Normal/Flying-type Pokémon which was first introduced in Generation I. It is based on a Japanese saying which translates to “A duck comes bearing green onions.” The grey bird is often seen holding the vegetable, even in battle.

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Mr Mime
Game Freak / The Pokemon Company International
One of these animals led to the creation of the Pokémon shown here. Which is it?
Chinese alligator
Giraffe
Agouti
Human mime
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mr. Mime is a Psychic/Fairy-type Pokémon which was introduced in Generation I as a purely Psychic Pokémon. Its inspiration comes from a human mime.

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You Got:
/40
OLM, Inc. / Nintendo / 4Kids Entertainment / The Pokémon Company International