Good post. I wasn't aware you were making such a thing, though it definitely goes in the same vein as my various articles.

Finally, I just think it should be made more clear that most of the answers in here are fan-theories, despite being the most logical conclusions. Pretending to be the be-all, end-all answer to everything (even when it's not trying to be) can annoy some people. Perhaps a text-marker or image-label of some sort can be applied to the different answers, denoting them as being stated canon, ambiguous canon, logical fan theory, or rationalized fan theory.

General-sentience seems to be an anime-only requirement for Pokemon. While there are many Pokemon of equal or greater-than intelligence compared to humans in the games, the vast majority appear to be of an animal-level intelligence. I feel this requirement should only be applicable to the anime, while being probable for the games.

There once were Pokémon that

became very close to humans.

There once were humans and Pokémon

that ate together at the same table.

It was a time when there existed no

differences to distinguish the two.

Though I agree with the admitted ambiguity of this issue in the Pokemon world expressed in your answer, a friend of mine felt you were "ignoring" the facts to fit some sort of agenda. So, acting in her stead, I should point out that while non-Pokemon animals are mentioned in Pokedex entries and don't appear in the games, this shouldn't immediately bring question to their existence. Realize that the games are a vehicle for entertainment, so such things as "Why don't you use the bathroom," "When do you sleep," and "The world seems so small," won't be represented. They simply don't align with the theme of the game, which is Pokemon. Therefore, it can be assumed that animals do exist, they just aren't seen because they aren't important.

The earliest instance in the anime I can recall that is contrary to this is the Viridian City Pokecenter showdown, or episode 2. Misty easily picked up a Pokeball for battle, and it reacted.

I think the purpose of Trading Machines is more a case of registering with the beaurocratic government just like we have to when a car changes hands.

I would like to point out that in the Japanese text of the games, legendary Pokemon are divided into three types: Pokemon of legend, Mirage Pokemon, and Pokemon of myth. All three were brought into the singular term "Legendary" upon American translation.

A subpoint should be made for Diglett. Note the Ruby/Sapphire 'Dex entry:

Dugtrio are actually triplets that emerged from one body. As a result, each triplet thinks exactly like the other two triplets. They work cooperatively to burrow endlessly.



And the Emerald entry:



Dugtrio are actually triplets that emerged from one body. As a result, each triplet thinks exactly like the other two triplets. They work cooperatively to burrow endlessly.



So they're not strictly in the same grouping as the others, having a different evolution-type, but should still be referenced for confusion's-sake.

An alternate theory is that the spoon is really just the metaphysical representation of Kadabra and Alakazam's psychic powers, and don't actually exist.

Considering the question, I think I'd like seeing my various theories from the other thread included with deeper explanation.

I think I first mentioned it before you showed up, here The introduction does mention that some of this is theory, but a color-coding system could be in order.The Sinnoh Region myth and Sinnoh Folk Tale #3 regard Pokémon as being equal to humans: both sentient and sapient (whereas animals are only sentient).Alright, that answer has been removed. Although Misty doesn't have a PokeDex with which to react to the Ball, I think Ash may have used other trainers' Balls (hehe) at some point or another.Maybe each Pokemon League keeps a file on every Trainer in the region and their stats, which includes the amount and type of Pokemon caught. Each League will only allow you to enter Pokemon that have been registered to you in order to discourage stealing and other underhanded methods of obtaining Pokemon.This information has been included.Done.I won't add this just yet, I think I saw an entry somewhere that mentioned Alakazam using the spoons for close-range physical strikes.The commonness and reference to physical sturdiness were the basis of your Magikarp theory (the first post was a description of killifish).