As a Pokémon expert with extensive knowledge of the various types and characteristics of these creatures, I can provide an explanation for why Gyarados is considered a Flying type, despite its lack of wings or the ability to fly in the traditional sense.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the Flying type in the Pokémon universe doesn't strictly refer to creatures that can fly through the air. Instead, it's a category that includes Pokémon that are associated with the sky or have characteristics that resemble flying, even if they don't have wings.

Gyarados is a Water/Flying type Pokémon. The Flying typing is likely due to its serpentine, elongated body that can move through the air of water with great speed and agility, giving the impression of flying through the water. Additionally, Gyarados has a large fin on its back that could be interpreted as a form of aerial adaptation, even though it's used for swimming rather than actual flight.

Furthermore, the Flying type is often associated with speed and evasion, and Gyarados is known for its high speed and powerful attacks, which might be another reason for its type classification.

In conclusion, while Gyarados doesn't fly in the conventional sense, its Flying type is a reflection of its speed, agility, and the way it moves through its aquatic environment.

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Heck, Gyarados might have even been programmed into the game (as a Water/Flying-type) before the Dragon type itself. If you look at how the type chart in Red/Green/Blue is programmed (using a hex editor and one of the ROMs), every weakness/resistance related to the Dragon type is crammed in at the very end.read more >>