Mutation

In Pikmin: Dual Worlds, there is a rare chance of Pikmin having mutations of some sort. Most are harmless and simply change minor details about a Pikmin's appearance, such as having a few petals be a different color, the Pikmin's body being a bit of a duller or brighter color, a Pikmin having a different tint, or other changes. However, certain mutations can be beneficial, such as Fasciation. This can be spotted almost immediately after a Pikmin sprouts; it has more than the usual number of leaves. Pikmin with this mutation have thicker buds and a large bundle of flowers on their stem in later stages. They tend to be faster than the average Pikmin by a bit, especially White Pikmin. This is due to having more leaves and petals, as they can get more carbon dioxide from the air. They tend to deal more damage as well, except for Rock Pikmin, due to having a heavier stem. Pikmin may also have Phyllody, which causes Pikmin to grow more leaves instead of gaining a flower. This essentially acts as Fasciation, though it doesn't increase the Pikmin's damage. Polydactyly, similarly to humans, causes Pikmin to have additional digits. This can improve a Pikmin's grip, making it so that slippery surfaces don't effect them as much, or make them less likely to fall off an enemy. This may also improve the Pikmin's carrying capacity, by giving the Pikmin a better grip.