Science with the Seekers: A Sweet Discussion

     You’re in for a treat, Neopian Times readers! Welcome to a special edition of “Science with the Seekers.” Today we will be hearing from a panel of university professors on the temperament (Dr. Jolly, Brightvale University), diet (Dr. Comida, Meridell College), physiology (Dr. Hazart, Brightvale University), biology (Dr. Hollyhock, Citadel College), and history of chocolate petpets (Dr. Noble, Meridell College). We have received a number of questions from college students across the tri-kingdom area (and beyond) that have been pre-selected for these interviews.

     Coaster JW Technical School:

     Was retired professor turned part mad scientist and part Petpet connoisseur Dr. Gormex (Virtupets Institute for the Culinary Arts) consulted for this research?

     Yes, indeed! Professors from across Neopia have contributed to this research, including Dr. Gormex, by studying the habits of native and Neopian-made Petpets. This includes conducting long days in the field, compiling literature reviews, and bridging relationships between formerly warring nations for the betterment of all Neopians.

     Norbert O. Solanum (Brightvale University):

     What is the history of Chocolate Petpets in Neopia?

          As ship travel has improved over the last decade, more expeditions have occurred on the Neopian seas. It has only been in the last 25 years that natural populations of Chocolate Petpets were known to science. Prior to then, information came from traditional knowledge passed down from indigenous Mystery Islanders. These sources proved paramount in locating their nests, as wild Chocolate Petpets are well camouflaged and tend to lay low, especially when in family groups. Local guides led biologists to areas featured in oral tradition or artwork. Such sketches used traditional materials, including inks made by local flowering plants and coffee trees.

          Approximately 20 years ago, the Petpet Laboratory ray was first introduced to a small group of Neopians privy to the workings of the so-called "mad scientist." According to a brief interview conducted with this scientist, the chocolate gene could be turned on at random from electric zaps, but only if exactly the right frequency and location within the genome was hit.

          Sally Mance (Brightvale University):

     What is the typical disposition of a Chocolate Petpet or does it vary by species?

     Generally speaking, Chocolate Petpets have a friendly, playful disposition. Although they are much less known to cuddle than furrier varieties, they make up for it by being high energy, eager to please, and loving to all ages. They are particularly popular with kids (although it’s important to remind the little ones that they are friends, not food!) Chocolate Petpets are best because of their sweet smiles. When a Chocolate Pet opens its mouth, they release a pleasant, calming smell. Different species produce a slightly different scent, and even within the same species there is some variation. This has made Chocolate Petpets an easy choice for shopkeepers worldwide, as they are both a loveable store mascot and a low-cost way to bring in customers for longer periods of time.

     Twillie (Happy Valley University):

     Are Chocolate Petpets an entirely Neopian-made color? If so, how prevalent are they in the wild, and how has this impacted their ecosystems?

     Although Chocolate Petpets are best known for being lab-made, there are Chocolate Petpets in the wild. According to a collaborative study completed by professors from Meridell, Brightvale, and Faerieland, there are isolated, uninhabited islands throughout Neopia that are home to a selection of Chocolate Petpets (the exact locations have been left unpublished to discourage poaching). Chocolate Spyder, Camelior, Quilin, and Bartamus are the most common, but others have been noted. Island populations tend to be shyer than lab-made individuals. They also tend to be much bigger, owing to a lack of predation. Introduced Chocolate Petpets can increase predator presence because of their sweet smell. This means that they tend to be less competitive than native varieties and picked off first when introduced to a new area. As such, few if any instances of invasive species issues have arisen from Chocolate Petpets.

     Do they have a unique impact on their local ecosystems, or do they fill the same niche as those of the same species but with different colors?

          Within areas that they are considered native, Chocolate Petpets often distribute seeds. This includes fruit eating Petpets that spread trees and other flowering plants through their waste, and also those that move seeds. For seed eaters, those not directly eaten will often stick to their bodies and fall off in other locations. There are a few instances of flowering plants that have adapted to this form of distribution and are now dependent on their mutualist partner. Said another way, if the naturalized population of this Chocolate Petpet were to go extinct, so would their mutualist partner.

          Gel (Arctic Institute of Terror Mountain):

     Since Chocolate Petpets only come from the Petpet Lab Ray, do they even have a natural habitat? Have they been spotted out in the wild? Are they invasive or endangered?

     As stated above, although many of the Chocolate Petpets are made by the Petpet Lab Ray, there are some known in the wild from small island colonies. Native chocolate varieties are often endangered within their island habitats owing to the addition of invasive species (such as Meepits) or even novel Petpetpets such as the Moquot. This is due to their naturally lower populations, their inability to recognize potential predators (many small islands lack natural predators unless they are introduced by Neopians, often explorers or careless tourists), and their lack of exposure to pathogens carried by Petpetpets. Introduced, lab-made chocolate Petpets are often less successful than their native counterparts and rarely colonize in large numbers.

     Are Chocolate Petpets subject to kidnapping and smuggling?

          Unfortunately, yes. Both Chocolate Petpets in their native range and those zapped by the Petpets are in extremely high demand. This makes them very popular in the Pet trade and black market. Population declines have occurred, as have theft from Neopian households. Efforts are underway to curb this practice and to greatly increase the consequences for smuggling, theft or poaching. One of the ranger groups is led by indigenous Mystery Islanders.

          Coaster (JW Technical School)

     Do Chocolate Petpets have the same level of activity as typical Petpets, or are they more lethargic (or more hyper, by contrast):

     Chocolate Pets tend to be either very high or very low energy. This is dependent on the time of day (more active earlier in the day when it is cooler), weather conditions (prefer partially cloudy to full sun), the length and intensity of their last exercise (Chocolate Petpets are known to have “zoomies” that send them running around a room for extended periods. Once that burst of energy wears off, they are typically found resting and recharging their energy from what some scientists have dubbed a “sugar crash.”

          Haibara_chan (Brightvale University alumna):

      What do we know about the genetics of Chocolate Petpets?

     According to genetic research compiled on hundreds of Chocolate Petpets, the chocolate gene is found in many species. Interestingly enough, there are many non-chocolate varieties that have this gene, but do not express the phenotype. It is thought that expression levels are contingent on different environmental factors combined with gene expression. Said another way, the physical characteristics associated with Chocolate Petpets are usually turned off unless the right factors increase their prevalence. We call this study “epigenetics.” There are also mutagenic sources that may increase the chocolate phenotype such as exposure to an electrical source, (i.e. the lab ray). A single point source mutation has been found across the board in many species.

     Coaster (JW Technical School; we received a great number of questions from this Neopian that our panelists loved!)

     Softball question: how can the untrained eye tell the difference between a Chocolate Petpet and a Birthday Petpet?

     Many Birthday Petpets have light colored scales, fur, or plating that resembles shortbread cookies. Although they both tend to produce sweet scents, Chocolate Petpets have far stronger compounds. Chocolate Pets tend to be darker in color and have reflective, white, cream-like deposits on their crowns or backs that protect them from the sun. In contrast, Birthday Petpets have multi-colored substances found atop their body that resemble frosting. Unlike Chocolate Petpets, Birthday Petpets use these compounds more decoratively and for attracting friends than for sun protection.

     Can Chocolate Petpets eat chocolate? Are they required to eat chocolate? Do they just need more sugar than usual?

     Chocolate Petpets can eat chocolate, but are not required to do so. Their sugar intake is far higher than most other Petpet varieties because they have such a high metabolism. This can make them very expensive to keep as Petpets given their voracious appetite!

          Geo (The Faerieland Academy of Art, Magic, and Science)

     Do they melt?

     While some Petpets are temperature sensitive and can suffer from heat stress (i.e. melting), others have hardened chocolate scales or fur-like structures that offer greater tolerance to a range of temperatures. Additionally the "cream"-like substance seen on some Chocolate Petpets acts like a sun deflector, lowering the overall amount of heat that is being absorbed into the body. These are typically hardier species that can deal with a few of the heat sensitive species are as follows: Snowbunny (this further compounds their sensitivity as they are a cold weather species), Slorg (their slime can mix with melting chocolate more easily, thus increasing their risk of heat-related illness), and Intesteen (they have thin skin, which makes them more at risk for damage from heat).

     What does Baelia do with Chocolate Petpets?

     She loves them equally! Baelia was an early defender of Chocolate Petpets and continues to ensure that they are healthy, happy, and most assuredly not food. No matter what kind of Petpet, she is sure to provide them a good home. It matters not if they were born or zapped chocolate, for as she is known to say, "they are perfect just the way they are."

          We hope you found this article to be a sweet treat of scientific discovery! Until next time, stay curious, ask questions, and never stop learning.