ecology

Posts 8805 Featured Image Cochineal Lac Shellac Differences

What are the differences between cochineal, lac, and shellac, insects we actually eat every day? Is it true that they are found in large quantities in red foods and lipstick? Are they dangerous? Why are they used?

In Japan, except in some regions, eating insects is extremely rare, and it's safe to say that it's almost unheard of among younger generations, especially in urban areas. While some advocate for insect consumption as a way to prepare for food shortages, cries of "Absolutely not!" are heard, mainly on social media. Even though I work with insects, I still...

2026.02.19

animalhistory

Posts 18779 Featured Image Spice Myth Age Of Exploration

Is it a myth that spices were used during the Age of Discovery to mask the smell of rotten meat? What was the real reason? Is it also a myth that they were used to improve preservation?

I originally have a science background, but I enjoy reading world history content. I came across something interesting in that context. It was the idea that spices (spices excluding stems, leaves, and flowers) don't have much antibacterial properties, and that "spices were used to mask the smell of rotten meat"...

2026.02.13

planthistory

Posts 18742 Featured Image Ruminant Stomach Compartments

What are the differences, roles, functions, and ways to remember the stomachs of ruminants (tripe, honeycomb tripe, omasum, and abomasum)? Why did rumination evolve?

When you go to a yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant, you might see four parts of the cow's stomach (fore-stomach) listed as offal: mino, hachinosu, senmai, and giara. Because they have a distinctive taste and are internal organs, people either love them or hate them, but their chewy texture and compatibility with alcohol make them a popular choice...

2026.01.22

animal

Posts 16293 Featured Image Origin Of Rhythm And Meter

What are the origins of rhythm and time signatures (2/4, 4/4, 3/4)? An explanation of their evolutionary and historical origins!

When you take up listening to music, singing, or dancing as hobbies, you naturally develop an interest in rhythm and time signatures. However, if you try to pinpoint the origins of these things, you might find it difficult to answer. Because we often find ourselves naturally moving to rhythms, we might not even question it...

2025.11.12

animalhistory

Posts 16225 Featured Image Why Bears Should Not Be Eradicated

Why shouldn't we exterminate bears to the point of extinction? A complete explanation of the benefits of bears (Asian black bears and brown bears)!

In Japan, the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) is found on Honshu and Shikoku, while the Hokkaido brown bear (Ursus arctos yesoensis) is found on Hokkaido. In 2025, these bears were projected to be active in populated areas...

2025.11.02

animalecosystem

07.1492.a Broom (Cytisus scoparius) flower

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"...

2025.05.23

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...

2025.05.14

plant

What are the differences between Japanese walnut, black walnut, dwarf walnut, and Japanese walnut? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did the hard fruit evolve specifically for squirrels and mice?!

Japanese walnut (Juglans mandshurica), Japanese walnut (Juglans regia), Japanese walnut (Juglans mandshurica), and Japanese walnut (Juglans rhoifolia) all belong to the Juglandaceae family and are deciduous trees characterized by odd-pinnately compound leaves with serrated edges. They grow in Japanese forests, and in the case of Japanese walnut, Japanese walnut, and Japanese walnut, the so-called "walnut nuts" are found inside the false fruits and hard fruits...

2025.05.12

plant

07.2093 Chinese tallow tree (Unripe fruit)

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...

2025.05.08

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...

2025.05.02

plant