User:Freighttrain/Taxonomic Zoid Classification System (Headcanon)

( Updated as of 20/02/2023 ) — *ZAC introduction date listing in progress*

Contact e-mail : freighttrain@email.com

Zoids ('zoic droids') is a Japanese model kit, print media, anime cartoon and video game franchise, featuring combat between gigantic mechanical fighting vehicles known as Zoids, that are based on various animals and mythological creatures, which began as model kits in 1982 and now has several hundred varieties of Zoids.

Hello Zoid enthusiasts, I am known as Freighttrain and in this blog post is a fully comprehensive ( omitting all of the decidedly unrelated mecha from the misnomial Zoids: Wild ) taxonomic Zoid classification system that I have created, which includes all of the Zoids listed in the List of Zoids and Fuzor Zoid articles (and more) from the Zoids wiki, as well as some from The Iron Bible's Zoid resources and elsewhere, with each entry listed in a quasi-phylogenetic order and in a similar format for clarity.

Also be sure to see my other Zoids blog posts:
 * Taxonomic Zoid Classification System ('Official' Creature Types)
 * Ideas for a Sequel Anime to Zoids: New Century
 * Zoids Girls Hair Colour Classification System
 * NotZoids: NotWild, just :, yes, nothing but a colon and it probably isn't even theirs

Related developments :
 * Fans of the Gundam and Alien/Predator franchises, may also be interested in similar blog posts I have made, which also feature classification systems and speculative analysis.
 * I've also adapted part of the classification system from this blog post into a list of the prehistoric genera from the Jurassic Park franchise that have Zoid counterparts that is featured in a blog post I have made on the Jurassic Park wiki.

Blog post contents :
 * Key
 * 1) Notes
 * 2) Classification and listing information
 * 3) Introduction date/era notation key
 * 4) Abridged contents
 * 5) (Zoid listings in full)

Key :
 * w/ = With
 * w/o = Without
 * i/o = Instead of
 * Comm / Comms = Communication / Communications
 * EDB = Empire Development Bureau
 * ZL = Zoids Legacy
 * APS = Author's Personal Suggestion
 * Jap. = Translated Japanese language name

Zoid equipment:
 * CP = Customise Parts
 * CAS = Changing Armour System
 * B-CAS = Blox-CAS
 * DBCS = Brain Control System

Model release notation:
 * OJR = Original Japanese Release (unofficial designation)
 * OAR = Original American Release (unofficial designation)
 * OER = Original European Release (unofficial designation)
 * NJR = New Japanese Release (unofficial designation)
 * NAR = New American Release (unofficial designation)
 * NPR = New Pacific Release (unofficial designation)
 * MB = Mechabonica
 * TZ = Technozoids
 * Z2 = Zoids 2
 * RS = Robo Strux
 * RC = Rebirth Century
 * YK = Yuji Kaida
 * F = Fuzors (models)
 * G = Genesis (models)
 * Ge = Generations

Notes :
 * This Zoid classification system omits all pseudozoids from Zoids: Wild, which can be found classified in my NotZoids: NotWild exposé.
 * This is my personally accurised Zoid classification system, which lists Zoids as what creatures they are actually based on, see here for the version that only lists Zoids as what creatures they are 'officially' based on.
 * All Zoids named after ligers are listed as based on ligers (Liger Zero etc.), despite them being officially stated to have been based on lions, this is with the exception of those Zoids named after ligers that I have instead listed as based on machairodontines, due to their elongated maxilary canines (Shield Liger, Blade Liger etc.).
 * Some Zoids that are named as or based on lions and ligers (Lidier and Shield/Blade Ligers), have the elongated maxillary canines that are a characteristic of the 'sabre-toothed cats', and so are listed as machairodontines.
 * For tidiness, each Zoid derived from the 'Zaber Fang (Guylos Empire)' which lists it in their 'Type & base/component Zoid(s)' column, the 'Zaber Fang (Guylos Empire)' is denoted as just 'Zaber Fang', as every Zaber Fang variant listed after the Zaber Fang (Guylos Empire), is derived from either directly from it or another of its variants, whereas the two Zaber Fang entries derived from the Zaber Fang (Zenebas Empire), are listed as being derived from this Zoid using its full notation, i.e. 'Zaber Fang (Zenebas Empire)'.
 * The first three Zoids to be supposedly based on Velociraptor (Rev Raptor, Gun Sniper and Snipe Master), are probably only so because of the misrepresentation in the Jurassic Park franchise of that genus, as well as the fact that their model kits were all released in 1999, so those Zoids are instead classified as based on Deinonychus.
 * As Bio Megaraptor is allegedly not based on its namesake and mentions no other classfication in its Zoids wiki article, despite clearly being based on a dromaeosaurid due to the anatomy of its feet, I have classified it as based on Austroraptor, as that is the largest known genus of dromaeosaurid with a characteristically long snout similar to that of Bio Megaraptor.
 * Bio Megaraptor — Austroraptor
 * Whilst Bio Volcano is allegedly based on Megaraptor, despite clearly being designed after a dromaeosaurid due to the anatomy of its feet, I have classified it as based on Utahraptor, as that is the largest known genus of dromaeosaurid.
 * Bio Volcano — Utahraptor
 * The Neo Raptor is not based on Velociraptor as it's article says, due to it not featuring a falciform toe claw like dromaeosaurids and only dromaeosaurids do, so I have instead listed it ambiguously with Sauro Knights as based on a theropod.
 * Neo Raptor — Theropod
 * As Seismosaurus is based on its namesake, which is a genus now classified as a species of Diplodocus (hallorum), I have listed it as such.
 * As Ultrasaurus is based on its namesake, which is a genus classified nomen dubium, I have listed it as based on Giraffatitan which is the largest known confirmed genus of brachiosaurid, despite Sauroposeidon being taller as it is believed to be more closely related to titanosaurs. Though it is possibly more appropriate to just list it more ambiguously as a brachiosaurid.
 * In my personally accurised classification system, the word 'crayfish' is used instead of 'crawfish', as 'crayfish' is more universally used terminology.
 * In my personally accurised classification system, I have listed the three Zoids that are based on the peahen, as based on peacocks instead, since they all display obvious male sexual dimorphism (its train i.e. tailfan) for that species.
 * The classification of 'Gargoyle' refers to what is more correctly known as a grotesque.
 * The Zoid Merlion is listed as based on the mythological sea-lion rather than its namesake, the similar and also mythological merlion, due to the Zoid having forelegs like the sea-lion does.
 * The Zoids Griffon and Bitegriffon are listed as based on the mythological winged lion rather than their namesake, the similar and also mythological griffin, due to both Zoids having the head and forelegs of a lion, rather than an eagle.
 * Some Fuzor Zoids are listed as hybrids, whilst others are listed with their base Zoids if the additional parts form what is closer to an armour/weapon system than hybridisation.
 * The genus each zoid is based on is underlined and in bold, to assist with clarity in instances where any following information in that box may hamper quick verification whilst scrolling through the list.
 * Possible inclusion of pictures for each Zoid listing using primarily the game sprites shown at Spriters Resource.
 * I am particularly interested in any comments or e-mails regarding the inclusiveness, accuracy and terminology etc. of this classification system.

List of new Zoid entries to be added :
 * Hippopotamus Sonic
 * Gator RS (Radome Special)
 * Parasauros
 * Gun Sniper PS (Phantom Spec.)
 * High Sniper
 * Strike Deinonychus
 * Berserk Fury (EDB BF-04)
 * Salamander (large anti-aircraft missile)
 * Salamander Cargo
 * Strengthened Zaber Fang

Classification and listing information :
 * Classification order within each creature type heading:
 * Creature type
 * Introduction era
 * Base Zoid
 * Introduction date
 * Divergence from base Zoid
 * Guideline classification order within each genus:
 * Battle story introduction dates:
 * (Before)
 * Zoids: Chaotic Century/Guardian Force
 * Zoids SS
 * ZOIDS Material Hunters
 * Zoids: New Century
 * Before ZAC 2230
 * 'Far off in the Future' (or possibly between ZAC 2230 and the Neoblox timeline)
 * Zoids: Fuzors (ZAC 2230)
 * Zi-G Research Foundation era
 * 'Far off in the Future' (or possibly between Zoids: New Century and ZAC 2230)
 * Neoblox timeline (Beith Republic and Dinas Empire)/Custom Blox Zoids
 * Zoids: Genesis/Generations
 * Model releases:
 * Attack Zoids
 * Classic Zoids
 * Zoids BLOX/Fuzor Zoids
 * Neoblox/Custom Blox Zoids
 * Zoids Baratz/Bio Zoids
 * Zoids that are simply recolours of their base Zoids are generally not listed, with the exception of recolours that have a unique designation number, specific pilot, differing affiliation or are described as having different capabilities in the battle story or other official media:
 * Dark Zoids — Guylos Empire
 * Valga (Helic Republic) — Helic Republic
 * Green Horn — Helic Republic
 * (Incomplete list)
 * Multiple listings:
 * Leo Gator (Crocodilians / Lions)
 * Transhawk (Hawks / Tigers)
 * Dimetra Ptera (Synapsids / Pterosaurs)
 * Styluarmor (Doryaspidids / Centrosaurines)
 * Brachio Zilla (Brachiosaurids / Tyrannosaurids)
 * Centaur (Centaurs / Combinations of Extinct Genera)

Introduction date/era notation key :
 * e-ZAC (year to decade)s = Early
 * m-ZAC (year to decade)s = Mid
 * l-ZAC (year to decade)s = Late
 * b-ZAC (year) = Before
 * a-ZAC (year) = After
 * TT ZAC (year) + ZAC (year) = Time Travel
 * ZAC (year)- = During or before ZAC (year)
 * ZAC (year)+ = During or after ZAC (year)
 * ZAC (year)~ = Approximately ZAC (year)
 * ZAC (year)-(year) = Sometime between ZAC (year)-(year)
 * ZAC (year)* = See this note for relevant information regarding the introduction date:
 * Hammerock - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the Merda, Geruda, Zatton and Malder i.e. ZAC 1980s
 * Shotwalker - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the Deathpion i.e. ZAC 2043
 * Dontress - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the Deathpion i.e. ZAC 2043
 * Gorem - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the Deathpion i.e. ZAC 2043, but after the Megatopros, meaning either ZAC 2045+ or 2043+
 * Lidier - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the Death Saurer i.e. ZAC 2044
 * Dark Malder/Molga/Warshark/Helcat/Iron Kong/Gator/Dimetrodon/Iguan/Twinhorn/Death Saurer - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the other 'Dark Zoids' (Heldigunner, Deadborder etc.) i.e. ZAC 2051
 * Mosasledge - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the Leoblaze and Unenlagia i.e. ZAC 2102
 * Nightwise - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the Leoblaze and Unenlagia i.e. ZAC 2102
 * Matrix Dragon - Unspecified introduction date but likely at the same time as the Leoblaze and Unenlagia i.e. ZAC 2102
 * Gojulas Mariner Type B - Unspecified introduction date but likely at a similar time to the Gojulas Giga and Stealth Stinger i.e. ZAC 2104~
 * Era notation:
 * CC/GF era = Zoids: Chaotic Century/Zoids: Guardian Force era
 * ZCC = Zoids: Chaotic Century
 * ZGF = Zoids: Guardian Force
 * ZSS era = Zoids SS era
 * ZMH era = ZOIDS Material Hunters era
 * ZNC era = Zoids: New Century era
 * ZRF = Zi-G Research Foundation era
 * FoF = 'Far off in the Future'
 * NB era = Neoblox era (Beith Republic, Dinas Empire and Custom Blox Zoids)
 * ZG era = Zoids: Genesis era
 * ZGe era = Zoids: Generations era

Abridged contents : — 702 (325/374)

Tally key:
 * T (C/V) = Total Zoids ((Distinct) Chassis/Variants)

1. Extant Genera — 344 (157/187) - 1a. Natural Hybrids of Extant Genera 2. Extinct Genera — 276 (104/172) 3. Mythological/Fictional Creatures — 40 (27/13) 4. Unnatural Hybrids — 13 (13/0)
 * Cnidarians — 1 (1/0)
 * Echinoderms — 1 (1/0)
 * Molluscs — 6 (4/2)
 * Arthropods — 63 (46/17)
 * Fish — 14 (9/5)
 * Reptiles — 27 (13/14)
 * Amphibians — 1 (1/0)
 * Aves — 22 (16/6)
 * Mammals — 160 (58/102)
 * Ligers (♂ lion x ♀ tiger) — 49 (8/41)
 * Molluscs — 1 (1/0)
 * Arthropods — 7 (2/5)
 * Fish — 1 (1/0)
 * Marine reptiles — 5 (4/1)
 * Diapsids — 1 (1/0)
 * Synapsids — 5 (3/2)
 * Dinosaurs — 168 (71/97)
 * Pterosaurs — 25 (8/17)
 * Mammals — 63 (13/50)
 * Phoenixes — 3 (2/1)
 * Polycephalic creatures — 5 (4/1)
 * Sea-lions — 1 (1/0)
 * Minotaurs — 1 (1/0)
 * Centaurs — 2 (2/0)
 * Cerapters (winged unicorns) — 1 (1/0)
 * Winged lions — 5 (4/1)
 * Griffins — 2 (2/0)
 * Gargoyles — 4 (2/2)
 * Dragonoids — 17 (9/8)
 * Godzilla-like creatures — 8 (2/6)

- 4a. Combinations of Extant Genera — 5 (5/0)

- 4b. Combinations of Extinct Genera — 2 (2/0)

- 4c. Combinations of Extant and Extinct Genera — 4 (4/0)

- 4d. Combinations of Extant Genera and Mythological Creatures — 2 (2/0)

5. Uncategorised Fuzor Zoids (requires image of model for definitive classification) — 21 (19/2)

6. Nonanimal-derived Vehicles — 3 (3/0)

7. Unknown — 2 (2/0)

4d. Combinations of Extant Genera and Mythological Creatures
==5. Uncategorised Fuzor Zoids (requires image of model for definitive classification) ==