The results of a massive phylogenetical analysis recently released have taken the scientific world by storm. The new study claims that Ghost Pokémon is a polyphiletic group, meaning that the previous assumption that most Ghost-type Pokémon are all related to each other is false. This revision of course came with its fair share of controversies, many still prefer to use the traditional classification, but the ideas presented in the recent analysis are surely interesting.
The catalyst of this new study was a genetical analysis on several DNA samples from various Oilcove (Oilopus rockibondia) individuals, an extinct species of Pokémon that thrived before the advent of the industrial revolution.
Their body is composed mostly of petroleum, and they need to absorb petroleum constantly to sustain it. If the first stage Oilop can find a suitable petroleum-rich rock, they claim it as their own and undergo ontological evolution, keeping that same rock for the rest of their life. The rock significantly slows them down, and doesn’t allow them to float like their previous stage, but it gives them sustenance and protects them.
The species went extinct due to the extraction of petroleum by man, historical documents show that a decline in population of these Pokémon was registered as far back as the 1950s. There are also several documented accounts of these Pokémon being found dead inside car engines in the 40s and 50s. Attracted by the fuel in the tanks they would climb inside, getting crushed by the engine afterward.
This species is closely related to Alcremie (Milcerus creamis) and Polteageist (Sinisteum blackteum), but also Revavroom (Varoomus multicylis). Some researchers believe that Oilcove and Revavroom share a closer connection, suggesting that a small group adapted to emulate engines.
by GebF