-Finding a New Explanation for Cubone

For many years, the Pokémon, Cubone, has been documented as having worn the skull of its deceased mother, and further assumption is made that the bones that it and Marowak use are also of the same origin. Various Pokédex entries have continually made reference to Cubone's departed parent, describing its activity as distraught, mournful and lonesome, earning it the species classification of “The Lonely Pokémon”. However, there are several issues proposed by existing research which suggests that this behaviour is simply not feasible,  and leaves many questions unanswered. There are also theories which suggest that Cubone and Marowak are a subspecies of Pokémon, namely the Pokémon Kangaskhan.

Theories
There are many proprietors of Kangaskhan theory, a theory which suggests that Cubone's mother is in fact a Kangaskhan. Kangaskhan known as the “Parent” Pokémon are known to carry offspring in their pouch and are exceptionally doting and protective of their young. This parental bonding that is shared between Kangaskhan and its child is apparent when witnessing Mega-Evolution of the species, in which both Mother and Child enhance one another's abilities in Battle. With more passive observation, we also note that the child Kangaskhan is very attached to its mother, and is seemingly lost without her. This emotional reliance and bond is what acts as the key principle to the Cubone-Kangaskhan theory, which is also supported by evidence that the biology and physiology of baby Kangaskhan and Cubone are very similar. Baby Kangaskhan and Cubone are very similar in height and weight, and are both bipedal reptilian-esque Pokémon. Muscle structure within the limbs and tail of the species and body-shape is also very similar, and theorists claim that on this basis that there is enough evidence to suggest that the two species are related. 

On initial review where this argument does appear very compelling, there are some behaviours and details observed in both species that disprove this hypothesis. Firstly, whilst both Baby Kangaskhan and Cubone are very similar, it would also be fair to say that Pokémon such as Charmander or even Totodile have similar physical properties, simply due to the consequences of convergent evolution, in which Pokémon will develop similar traits to cope with an environment. Hence Pokémon classification such as “Human-Like” and “Avian”.  Furthermore, The “skull” on the head of a Cubone is apparently the head of its own mother, which on inspection, the skull looks more closely related to that of a Charizard, than that of a Kangaskhan, based on the horn-like appendages and shape of the skull. Furthermore, Kangaskhan and Cubone are known to inhabit very different climates and regions, and it would not make sense that a Cubone, if it were a Kangaskhan baby to live so far from its other kind.  Finally, Kangaskhan as a species have always been observed as being a solely female species, which mate with males of other species in order to produce offspring. This evolutionary trait is believed to have been chosen to produce offspring with a wider variety of abilities and greater potential, as Kangaskhan are often found in small migratory packs, and even if there were to have been multiple Males, eventual inbreeding would lead to poor health and genetic stagnation. 

Conversely, Cubone and by proxy Marowak, have been observed as both Male and Female, which would mean that a baby Kangaskhan would be required to be born with an exceptionally rare genetic mutation, and then subsequently the mother die and the child then live a life of solitude whilst wearing the skull of said parent, rather than with the remaining herd of Kangaskhan. Kangaskhan, being very doting as a species, often look after orphaned Pokémon, even that of other species. It has been observed in the past that Kangaskhan have cared for young Cubone and have been treated like their own offspring, which may have been the causation to the theory in its initial stages. However due to the fact that Kangaskhan exhibit this behaviour, regardless of gender or species, the evidence suggests that Cubone and Kangaskhan are in no meaningful way related. Despite all other evidence, there are finally some logical situations which need to be considered.

	a. Many Pokémon are known for having multiple offspring during a life cycle, and where 	some species are able to reproduce faster than others, there are no known cases of 	Pokémon being unable to breed continuously without any other complications involved. 

Given this, This would mean that the parent to a Cubone would only be able to ever give birth once, which would mean it would then die as a result of labour. And where this Is not beyond the realm of possibility it would mean that Cubone as a species would be unlikely to be as common, and there would likely be a disproportionate ratio of male to female Cubone. 

	b. Many Pokémon will also give birth to a litter or clutch of offspring, meaning that 	Pokémon are able to have siblings and litter-mates.

Considering that Cubone wear the skulls of their deceased mother, how would this affect Cubone as a species? This would suggest that either Cubone are born as a single child species, or that the skull is that it wears is not its mothers, as twin Cubone could not wear the same skull.

	c. The skull properties of Cubone are said to rattle, whistle and become stained by its tears, 	and that the skull itself is wearable.

Skulls are designed to keep the brain of the Pokémon safe and to house the sensory organs of the Pokémon. By nature, the compartment in which the brain is held is sealed with a small gap at the base of the skull, through which the spine connects. The roof of the mouth is also full of very dense bone. This all suggests a rather grizzly detail, in that Cubone would be required to mutilate and butcher the skull, removing large parts of it, in order to make a wearable helmet. Which considering the emotional implication is simply not conceivable.  Analysis on bone samples across various species also note that bones in Pokémon are not known to create a resonant frequency in which they are able to ring or whistle, and are only able to hold a stain or pigment if applied through chemical methods. i.e. Bones are unable to be stained by water or tears unless the chemical composition of those fluids were highly acidic. 

Discoveries
With the newly acquired information it appeared imperative to finally solve the origin of Cubone, the composition of its skull, the origins of its skull, and thoroughly conducted research into their reproductive habits. 

Throughout the course of the research we were able to observe both Cubone and Marowak in a natural environment, particularly paying close attention to females of the species. While Cubone are known as the “lonely” Pokémon, it was made apparent during the research that Cubone value companionship highly, and become devoted to friends and potential mates that it finds in the wild and even when paired with a trainer who treats Cubone with care and compassion.  Cubone did not appear to favour its own species over others within its egg-group, which suggest that Cubone and by extension Marowak, like many other Pokémon choose a mate based on a variety of factors, and do not exhibit species-selective behaviours. 

Satisfied with this initial research, a Breeding pair of both Cubone and Marowak were separated from the test group and provided with an ideal environment. After a transitional period in which the pairs established their surroundings and territory, we found that both had successfully conceived. The Cubone pair produced a single egg, whilst the Marowak pair produced two. Monitoring continued whilst the eggs gestated, and preparations were made should the worst be discovered. After the second week of gestation, it was observed that the Cubone pair had begun to evolve, and then both pairs were observed creating mound-like structures near the nest, which was kept well hydrated and pliable. Some research suggests that Cubone evolve as a result of being able to deal with their grief, which may possibly indicate that breeding and the process of becoming a parent, may aid Cubone in overcoming the grief it feels. However, it may also be possible that the Cubone evolved as a result of experience gain and maturity and occurred coincidentally to our experiment.

28 Days after the eggs were first laid, they have finally begun to hatch, and it was observed that, like many Pokémon species, both pairs of Marowak watched over the birth of their offspring. Remarkably, we discovered that both females had survived the whole period of gestation and hatching, and showed no ill effects of either. More amazingly, we discovered that Cubone are in fact born without bearing the skull helmet. All three Cubone whelps were born healthy and without bearing the helm. Containing our excitement, we realised something perplexing however, and somewhat concerning, that none of them had the helm, where would it come from, and especially so with the twins. We decided to continually monitor both child and parents even more rigorously for the coming weeks. 

Initially both Marowak pairs were fairly doting, though it appeared clear that males showed less interest in rearing the young and focused on providing for the female and offspring. But it was soon discovered that after two weeks, when the Cubone are able to function independently, that both parents almost immediately lose interest in the whelp, and move out of the nest, leaving the offspring alone and moving on to create a new habitat. This was increasingly difficult to monitor as the Cubone offspring seemed increasingly distraught, and began to pine and lament. It appears we have discovered that the emotional pain felt by Cubone is not the grief due to loss, but due to abandonment by its parents. 

After several hours we found that the Cubone would eventually wander out of the nest and interact with the large mound of material. They appeared intrigued by it, especially by the scent of the mass. That is when we discovered what was truly astonishing. The Cubone, both the twins and the single orphan, began to deconstruct the mound and seemingly sculpt what looked like skulls from the material. The Cubone placed the finished masses on their heads, which soon dried out in the warm conditions to a stiff, chalky consistency. When the Cubone had gone to sleep, samples of the mound were collected and analysed, and it was found that the material was found to be a combination of various clays and sediments and contained traces of pheromone from both parents. We tested the sample further, sculpting the mixture to test it's mechanical and chemical properties. It was found that the sample was fairly porous and able to absorb water, turning it darker where the moisture was applied. Wider reading provided us with the discovery of bells, chimes and whistles which would be made from ceramics and that give a hollow, high pitched ringing or whistling. We attempted to make a similar flute or whistle from the material and found that it too was capable of producing audible frequencies. 

Conclusions
After several careful monitoring sessions of the newborn Cubone have adapted well to their new environment and appear to exhibit natural behaviours which have been previously documented; the Pokémon appears lonely and laments, and is often shy or easily intimidated. It was decided to place the three Cubone whelps in the same enclosure, where they appear happier as they are able to share each other's company. Prior to this, the twins did seem to be able to cope more effectively, but the addition of the third orphan exponentially improved the way of life, as the Cubone appeared to be more inclined to play and be more adventurous in their surroundings.

From the study that has been conducted and recorded, we have deduced the following statements: 

–	A Cubone's skull helmet is in fact NOT the skull of its deceased mother. Where it is noted it is not impossible, that some Cubone could use a skull as a helmet, our research suggests that the helmet is created by the hatchlings.
–	Cubone appear to evolve when parenting their offspring, however further research is required to verify this as either an established stage of maturity, or probability based on outside factors.
–	Cubone parents are doting early on and provide their offspring with clay-like material to construct their helmets, however when the offspring are able to fend for themselves, the parents abandon their young. 
–	The orphaned Cubone create their skull helmets from the material left by their parents which the offspring appear to do inherently without being taught. This material is found to contain the scent of the parents.
–	Cubone's lonely and distressed nature is not caused by the grief of death, by the separation anxiety from being orphaned by its parents.
–	The whistling noises that Cubone make are a result of resonant frequencies from the helmet, as it shares similar properties to porcelain or clay chimes.
–	The tear stains are caused by the porosity of the clay absorbing the tears and creating wet marks.

It should be noted that there are certain behaviours that we observed that require further analysis and research to gain an understanding as to why the Pokémon act in this manner. The reason for the pheromones in the clay is currently unknown, it may be used as an identifier to the parents who wish to later seek out their offspring, or as a comfort mechanism for the orphaned Pokémon. The skull shape itself is believed to be used to deter predators and/or to intimidate prey items, and it is currently unknown how Cubone are able to sculpt the helm so instinctively.  It is also not clear why Cubone parents exhibit abandoning behaviours, and a study into the psychology of both Cubone and Marowak in this area would need to be conducted to gain a thorough understanding. 

Proposed Pokédex entry:
“Cubone are abandoned at a young age by their parents. It bays at the moon, pining for their return, causing its durable clay skull to whistle hollowly. The stains on the skull the Pokémon wears are made by the tears it sheds.”