Pokemon and Science: How Pokémon Spark Taxonomy, Fossils and Publishing Awareness

In this episode, hosts Nick and Ben chat with Miriam Nadaf about the surprising crossover between Pokémon and biology. The conversation covers how Pokémon has shaped interest in natural history, taxonomy, and naming species, including real-world connections such as fossils and phylogenetic ideas that echo the Pokémon world. The discussion travels from the Field Museum in Chicago, where an exhibition links fossils to Pokémon, to the naming of real species after Pokémon like Charizard, and to open-source teaching tools like a Pokémon-inspired card game. The show also highlights how Pokémon can illuminate science publishing issues by examining predatory journals through a playful, critical lens. The blend of childhood wonder and rigorous science illustrates how pop culture can foster curiosity about evolution and biodiversity.

Introduction

In this episode, the Nature Briefing team explores a playful yet substantive intersection between Pokémon and science. The conversation leans on Miriam Nadaf, an insect biologist, who explains how Pokémon has sparked curiosity about the natural world and influenced scientists at various stages of their careers. The discussion sets the stage for a broader look at how popular culture can illuminate topics like taxonomy, phylogenetics, and the naming of species, while also offering a window into science communication practices.

"Pokemon and the world of science coming together and how they influence each other over the years" - Miriam Nadaf

Pokemon and Science: Intersections in Popular Culture and Real Biology

The episode moves from nostalgia to contemporary science as Miriam describes the Field Museum exhibition in Chicago that showcases fossils and Pokémon. Curators highlight how certain Pokémon were inspired by real animals and fossils, offering a tangible bridge between the fantasy world of Pokémon and the real history of life. This segment underscores a central theme: collecting, classification, and the tree of life are not only academic pursuits but also engaging narratives that can captivate a broad audience.

"Pokemon and the world of science coming together and how they influence each other over the years" - Miriam Nadaf

Evolution, Metamorphosis, and Phylogeny

The hosts and Miriam discuss how Pokémon evolution differs from biological evolution in nature. They point out that real evolution occurs within populations over generations, whereas Pokémon often undergo abrupt, individual transformations. This comparison invites listeners to consider how phylogenetic tools can be used to explore relationships among Pokémon-inspired creatures and real organisms, blurring the lines between entertainment and scientific inquiry.

Real-World Naming and Fossil Connections

The conversation highlights how scientists name new species after Pokémon. For example, a researcher in Chile named a bee species after Charizard, reflecting the creature’s dragon-like snout and the playful influence of Pokémon on scientific culture. Miriam and a colleague also discuss fossils named after Pokémon, illustrating how popular culture can leave a lasting imprint on scientific nomenclature.

"Named after Charizard, the Pokemon that breathes fire, this bee's name reflects how popular culture can influence scientific naming" - Spencer Monckton

Education, Outreach, and Open Tools

The episode touches on educational tools inspired by Pokémon, including an open-source Pokémon-inspired trading card game designed to teach ecosystems and interdependencies. These tools exemplify how Pokémon can be leveraged to improve science communication, engage learners, and connect biodiversity topics to everyday experiences.

Predatory Journals and the Pokémon Angle

In a memorable segment, Matin Shilomi describes a provocative experiment in which fake papers featuring Pokémon characters were submitted to journals to expose predatory publishing practices. The aim was to raise awareness about checks on quality and peer review, with the Pokémon references serving as a recognizable hook to illustrate the weaknesses some journals exhibit when evaluating manuscripts.

"we prepared a gibberish loaded text that if published proves conclusively that the target journal is predatory" - Matin Shilomi

Closing Reflections

The episode closes on a note that Pokémon remains a powerful cultural touchstone for science engagement. By linking vivid pop culture with concrete scientific topics—taxonomy, fossils, naming, and publishing ethics—the conversation demonstrates how curiosity can be nurtured across audiences and disciplines.

"Pokemon sparked researchers' curiosity and love to discover new species and name new species" - Miriam Nadaf