Every so often in Pokémon Go, there are Special Research tasks where you must select from multiple paths to earn different rewards. The Dawn of a New Discovery has three choices to pick from to earn multiple rewards: the Emolga, Crabrawler, or the Ducklett branching path.
The choice is entirely up to you, and you must make it after completing the first series of tasks for this Special Research. The choice does matter, as it provides a selection of specific tasks for you to fulfill, with slightly different rewards. However, like many of the smaller Special Research tasks in Pokémon Go, the changes are moderate and don’t largely impact your overall gameplay during Pokémon Go Fest 2024.