animal クマを絶滅させるほど駆除をしてはいけない理由とは？クマ（ツキノワグマ・ヒグマ）の利益を完全解説！
日本には本州と四国にニホンツキノワグマ（日本月輪熊） Ursus thibetanus japonicus が、北海道にエゾヒグマ （蝦夷羆）Ursus arctos yesoensis が分布しています。2025年これらのクマが人里での活...
ecology
animal 
plant What's the difference between broom and dwarf broom? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do the flowers "burst" to release pollen onto bees?!
Both *Cytisus scoparius* (Japanese broom) and *Cytisus scoparius* (dwarf broom) belong to the legume family and are classified under the genus *Cytisus* in Japanese classification. They are characterized by their small, trifoliate compound leaves and the yellow, butterfly-shaped flowers they produce in spring. While cultivated for ornamental purposes, *Cytisus scoparius* is sometimes sold under the name "Japanese broom"...
plant What's the difference between Lythrum salicaria and Lythrum anceps? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!
Both Lythrum salicaria and Lythrum sibiricum belong to the genus Lythrum in the family Lythraceae, and are perennial herbs commonly found in waterside areas and wetlands. They are often planted in biotopes, and their flower shapes are almost identical, making it difficult for some to distinguish between the two species. However, in addition to the hair-like projections on the entire plant, the shape of the leaves...
plant カシグルミ・オニグルミ・ヒメグルミ・サワグルミの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説！硬い果実はリスとネズミ専用に進化していた！？
カシグルミ・オニグルミ・ヒメグルミ・サワグルミはいずれもクルミ科に含まれ、鋸歯がある奇数羽状複葉によって特徴づけられる落葉高木です。日本の森林に生える他、カシグルミ・オニグルミ・ヒメグルミにおいては偽果と硬い果実の内部にいわゆる「クルミの実...
plant What are the differences between Chinese tallow tree and Japanese wax tree? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did the white seeds, which contain a lot of fat, evolve?
Both the Chinese tallow tree (Toxicodendron sylvaticum) and the Japanese wax tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum) are deciduous trees, and both share the name "haze." This name comes from the fact that their fruits or seeds contain a large amount of fat, which has historically been used as wax. However, perhaps because of this, the Chinese tallow tree and the Japanese wax tree are often confused...
plant What are the differences between evening primroses (Oenothera biennis), dwarf evening primroses (Oenothera japonica), common evening primroses (Oenothera parviflora), and large evening primroses (Oenothera biennis)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did they evolve to bloom in the evening?
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), small evening primrose (Oenothera japonica), common evening primrose (Oenothera parviflora), and large evening primrose (Oenothera japonica) are all herbaceous plants belonging to the genus Oenothera in the family Onagraceae. Although they are introduced species, they are frequently seen in urban areas. Among the Oenothera species, these four species differ from the flowers we usually see, as they bloom in the evening with four petals...
plant What are the differences between Vicia cracca, Hairy Vetch, Slender Vicia cracca, and Velvet Vicia? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Was the nectar stolen from the flowers without restraint?!
Vicia cracca, hairy vetch, slender vetch, and velvet vetch all belong to the Vicia genus of the Fabaceae family. They are characterized by numerous purple, butterfly-shaped flowers (10-30 in number) arranged in racemes in spring, and by having five or more pairs of leaflets. From a distance, they are very similar...
plant シキミと八角（スターアニス・トウシキミ）の違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説！シキミは墓を守りハッカクは命を守る！？
シキミとハッカク（八角・スターアニス・トウシキミ）はいずれもマツブサ科シキミ属に含まれ、常緑で光沢のある葉を持ち、最大の特徴は果実が袋果で、放射状に8個並んだ集合果である点が共通しています。どちらの国内外で非常に重要な植物として扱われていま...
plant What are the differences between purslane, portulaca, and moss rose? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! The secret to their strength lies in the simultaneous use of two special types of photosynthesis!?
Purslane, Portulaca grandiflora, and Portulaca oleracea all belong to the Portulacaceae family and Portulaca genus. Their most distinctive feature is their glossy, succulent leaves. Due to their hardiness, they are cultivated and naturalized in urban areas, especially Portulaca grandiflora and Portulaca oleracea...
plant ヒメイタビ・オオイタビ・イタビカズラの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説！「実」のような「花嚢」にやってくる特殊なコバチとは！？
ヒメイタビ・オオイタビ・イタビカズラはいずれもクワ科イチジク属に含まれ、イチジク属の中でもつる性となる点から区別され、木の幹や岩に絡みつくことで着生する仲間です。最大の特徴は他のイチジク属と同様にまるで果実のような部位を形成することで、これ...