ecology

Posts 25429 Featured Image Ergot Fungus Moth Honeydew

Why do ergot fungi produce toxins? Unraveling the evolution of ergot alkaloids from a biological perspective.

Ergot fungi are a type of fungus that infects grasses, including cereals. The ergot alkaloids produced by this fungus are known to be highly toxic substances that have strong physiological effects on humans and livestock. Historically, consuming rye and other plants contaminated with ergot fungi has caused symptoms such as convulsions and gangrene...

2026.10.31

fungi

Posts 25389 Featured Image Flamingo Red One Leg Evolution

Why are flamingos red? Why do they stand on one leg? Scientific papers explain everything from the six species classifications to the reasons for their evolution.

The vibrant pink flamingos you see at zoos. In Kenshi Yonezu's song "Flamingo," their unstable, one-legged stance, their curved beaks, and their striking red color all play a central role, depicting the fleeting relationships of unfulfilled men and women, and the emptiness and patheticness of modern people...

2026.10.24

animal

13.28454 Long-nosed pygmy fly, female, adult

Why is the mouth of the beneficial insect, the long-nosed tachinid fly, so long? Its surprising behavior: a parasitic fly that feeds on nectar.

Are you familiar with the fly *Prosena siberita*? As its name suggests, it's characterized by its long, slender proboscis. Because of its extremely long proboscis relative to its body, at first glance it might resemble a blood-sucking stable fly or horsefly....

2026.10.19

animal

Posts 25320 Featured Image Loxoblemmus Male Flat Head Evolution

Why are the faces of male cockatiels and three-horned crickets flat? Unraveling the evolutionary mystery through male-male combat.

When observing male Loxoblemmus campestris, Loxoblemmus sylvestris, and Loxoblemmus doenitzi crickets, their faces appear as if they have been severed...

2026.10.18

animal

What are the differences between Oxalis, Oxalis corniculata, and Oxalis sulphureus? How do they differ from Oxalis corniculata? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Oxalis, Oxalis corniculata, and Oxalis sulphureus all belong to the genus Oxalis in the family Oxalidaceae, and are among the yellow-flowered varieties within the vast Oxalis genus. They are extremely common species, so hardy that they can easily grow even in cracks in urban concrete, and are even used in family crests in Japan...

2026.07.28

plant

What are the differences between aloe and agave? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Aloe and agave (Agave verum) both belong to the Asparagales order and are characterized by their drought tolerance, succulent, thick leaves, and thorns along the leaf margins. As succulents, they are frequently seen being cultivated in urban areas throughout Japan. However, seeing an agave...

2026.07.23

plant

07.3877.a False Jerusalem Artichoke Flower

What are the differences between Jerusalem artichoke, dog Jerusalem artichoke, and false Jerusalem artichoke? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus, and false Jerusalem artichoke all belong to the Asteraceae family. They share characteristics such as erect stems, scales on the receptacle, and yellow ray florets, but their overall appearance is so lacking in distinct features that they could be described as "The Asteraceae." Distinguishing between them is difficult if you only focus on the flower heads...

2026.07.19

plant

What are the differences between Japanese pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed (Phytolacca americana var. japonica), and round pokeweed (Phytolacca americana var. japonica)? How do they differ from burdock (Phytolacca americana)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Even though it's highly poisonous to humans, birds are unaffected!?

Japanese pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed (Phytolacca oleracea), and round pokeweed (Phytolacca oleracea) all belong to the Phytolaccaceae family and genus Phytolacca. Their names come from the fact that their fleshy, thick roots resemble those of burdock (Philadelphia arvensis), and they are characterized by their entirely poisonous nature and dark purple berries. However, the three species are often confused...

2026.07.11

plant

Posts 24088 Featured Image Salmon Red Color Evolution Antioxidant

Why are salmon flesh and salmon roe red (pink)? A scientific explanation of the surprising evolutionary reasons and antioxidant properties!

It's common knowledge that salmon sashimi (meat), fillets, and salmon roe are red or salmon pink. Whether you're at a sushi restaurant, playing Salmon Run in the game Splatoon, or seeing Sanrio's KIRIMI-chan, you accept it without question...

2026.06.18

animal

Posts 20230 Featured Image Wordpress Bed Bug Detection And Eradication Guide

[Real-life experience] How to find bed bugs and the complete procedure for eradicating them! A thorough explanation of bite marks, eggs, and their life cycle.

Recently, bed bugs appeared in my apartment. Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are indoor pests belonging to the genus Cimex in the family Cordycepsidae, order Hemiptera. In Japan, after World War II, effective insecticides were used to combat them...

2026.05.18

animal