The "convergent evolution" Pokémon introduced in Scarlet/Violet (Wiglett & Toedscool lines) make perfect sense in their environment. They each disguise themselves as a type that is immune or resists the main type of their natural predator, which they would otherwise be weak to.
Wiglett lives in shallow waters along the coast, making it a prime target for the Wattrel line, which is also found along the coastlines. So to not be targeted by these Electric types, they mimic the Diglett line. The Birds will assume they're looking at a Ground type, which is immune to their Electric attacks and has some annoying Rock moves to counter - so they will think twice before attacking them.
The same goes for the Toedscool line, which live in the inland regions that are also home to the Fletchling line. Especially the later stages with their Fire type would be devatating to Toedscool, so it mimics the Water type Tentacool line instead. Not only do the Talonflame assume their Fire attacks will be resisted, they'd also want to avoid any Water counter attacks as well.
Why mimicry instead of different defensive adaptations?
Both of these predators are dive-bombing birds who specialize in swooping down on unsuspecting prey before they have a chance to notice. Short of heavy armor or never coming out of hiding, there's not much you can do against those (especially with a type disadvantage). Unless you look very unappealing to them - like appearing to have a typing that counters theirs.Statistics: Posted by SKyTheThunder — 21 Jun 2023 03:24
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