What is Tauros Based On In Pokémon?
The Pokémon Tauros is primarily based on the European Bison, also known as the wisent (Bison bonasus). This is a large, powerful bovine native to Europe, with a robust build, shaggy fur, and a notable pair of horns. While Tauros is often associated with the constellation Taurus, which is represented by a bull, its design and characteristics clearly draw heavily from the physical traits of the European bison. The Pokémon’s overall body structure, including its thick neck and muscular legs, strongly resembles that of the bison rather than a domestic bull breed.
However, it’s important to note that Tauros has evolved with regional variants, most notably the Paldean forms. These regional forms have elements inspired by a different animal, specifically the Toro Bravo, an Iberian fighting bull commonly seen in bullfighting. This is especially true for the Paldean Tauros, which boasts a black color scheme, shorter, broader horns, a more prominent mane, and a general expression of anger, all reflecting the traits of the Toro Bravo. Thus, while the original Tauros draws inspiration from the European bison, its Paldean variations are clearly influenced by the Iberian bull, illustrating how Pokémon designs can incorporate various real-world inspirations to create unique characters.
The Core Inspiration: The European Bison
Physical Similarities
The original Tauros design reflects many of the physical characteristics of a European bison. These include:
- Robust Build: Tauros shares the same powerful, heavily built body type as the bison. It’s designed to exude strength and hardiness.
- Shaggy Fur: While not as pronounced as in a real-world bison, Tauros features tufts and patches of hair, especially around its neck, mirroring the bison’s coarse fur coat.
- Horns: The horns of Tauros, although stylized, maintain the curve and general shape found on a European bison.
- Four Legs and Hooves: Like the bison, Tauros has four legs with hooves, showcasing its terrestrial nature.
- General Body Shape: The Pokémon’s overall shape and proportion are clearly derived from the bison’s robust physique.
Behavioral Aspects
Bisons are known for their territoriality and their powerful presence in their habitats. This also aligns with Tauros, described as a violent and rowdy Pokémon that whips itself into a frenzy. Its behavior also mirrors the general nature of bovines when challenged or provoked.
Paldean Tauros: The Iberian Fighting Bull
Visual Differences
The Paldean forms of Tauros mark a significant departure in design. These versions are clearly based on the Toro Bravo, also known as the Spanish fighting bull, which are often used in bullfighting spectacles. Their distinct features include:
- Black Color: Unlike the traditional brown coloration of Tauros, the Paldean variants are predominantly black, a common characteristic of the Toro Bravo.
- Shorter, Broader Horns: The Paldean Tauros boasts shorter, broader horns compared to the longer, more curved ones of the standard form.
- Shaggier Mane: The mane around the neck is significantly more pronounced and shaggy, a trait commonly seen in fighting bulls.
- Angry Expression: The facial expression of the Paldean Tauros is designed to look angrier, conveying the aggressive nature of the Toro Bravo.
- Regional Varieties: The Blaze Breed and Aqua Breed of Paldean Tauros represent the Fire and Water types, also showing the diversity in these forms.
Contextual Significance
The design of Paldean Tauros ties in with the regional setting of the game. The Iberian Peninsula (where the Toro Bravo is common) heavily influences the Paldea region, and the inclusion of Tauros forms based on this bull is thematically appropriate.
FAQs About Tauros
1. Is Tauros a bull or a bison?
The original Tauros is primarily based on a European bison (Bison bonasus), not a typical bull breed. However, its Paldean variants draw inspiration from the Toro Bravo, a type of bull.
2. Is there a female Tauros?
No, Tauros is a male-only species, and it does not have a female counterpart.
3. How do you get a Tauros egg?
You can only obtain a Tauros egg by breeding a Tauros with a Ditto. Tauros cannot breed with other species to produce a Tauros egg.
4. Can Tauros and Miltank breed?
No, Tauros and Miltank cannot breed to produce offspring. Miltank only produces Miltank eggs, and Tauros requires Ditto to produce Tauros eggs. They are considered counterparts more than closely related species.
5. Are Tauros and Bouffalant related?
Bouffalant was initially speculated to be an evolution of Tauros, as they both represent the bison/buffalo theme. However, they are not directly related. They are two separate Pokémon inspired by similar real-world animals.
6. What are the rarest Tauros forms?
The Blaze Breed and Aqua Breed of Paldean Tauros are considered rare as they have lower spawn rates than the standard Paldean form. They are also exclusive to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, respectively.
7. Is Tauros a rare Pokémon?
While the standard Tauros is not particularly rare, the Blaze and Aqua Breed Paldean Tauros are rare encounters in the game.
8. What type is Tauros weak against?
Tauros is a Normal-type Pokémon and is weak against Fighting-type moves.
9. Can Tauros evolve?
No, Tauros does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon. It remains a standalone entity with its own set of unique characteristics.
10. What happens if you breed Paldean Tauros?
When breeding any breed of Paldean Tauros, the offspring will be the same breed. You can breed more Blaze or Aqua breeds without special items. However, breeding a regular Paldean Tauros will not produce a special breed.
11. Is Tauros related to Taurus, the zodiac sign?
Yes, Tauros is named after the constellation Taurus, which is represented by a bull. This connection is reflected in both its name and some of its design characteristics.
12. What did Ash catch in the Safari Zone?
In a banned episode, Ash Ketchum attempted to catch Pokémon in the Safari Zone. He ended up catching 30 Tauros because they kept running in front of his Safari Balls.
13. Can you breed a Blaze Breed Tauros with a Ditto?
Yes, you can breed a Blaze Breed Tauros with a Ditto, and the offspring will be a Blaze Breed Tauros.
14. What Pokémon counters Tauros?
Fighting-type Pokémon are effective counters against Tauros. Examples include Lucario, Conkeldurr, and Machamp.
15. Can Tauros be found in all Pokémon games?
The standard form of Tauros can be found in multiple Pokémon games. The Paldean forms are currently exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.