symbiosis

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

What's the difference between Angelica acutiloba and Angelica gigas? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the purple color of the flowers due to wasps?!

Both Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescens belong to the Angelica genus of the Apiaceae family. They are medium to large perennial herbs with thick stems and broad leaves, and are similar in that their leaflets are large and rounded. However, upon closer observation, there are differences in their leaves, flowers, and fruits. However, since there are many species in the Angelica genus, careful distinction is necessary...

2024.06.10

plant

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #155] What are the species of the Polygalaceae family? Photo list

All species of the Polygalaceae family found in Japan are herbaceous. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lack stipules. The flowers are bisexual and bilaterally symmetrical. There are 5 sepals. The petals are 5 in number, partially reduced or fused. There are 4 or 8 stamens, fused at the base. The ovary is superior and 2-chambered. The fruit is a capsule or drupe. [...].

2022.12.25

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #104] What are the species of the Bromeliaceae family? Photo list

Bromeliaceae are perennial plants. Many have a structure where the bases of their leaves closely overlap, allowing them to store water. However, some species, such as tank bromeliads and the gray-leaved epiphytic plant Tillandsia, can only collect water through a leaf structure called trichomes...

2022.09.29

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

[Seed Plant Encyclopedia #001] What are the species of the Cycadaceae family? Photo list

The family Cycadaceae is a family of plants belonging to the order Cycadales in the class Cycadae. All extant species are evergreen woody plants. The leaves are pinnately compound, with long, pointed leaflets. Numerous leaves grow at the tip of the stem, with the base remaining on the stem. The family is dioecious, with flowers borne terminally or laterally on the stem. The stamens (microsporophylls) are scale-like...

2022.07.13

Seed Plant Encyclopedia

Reporting on new records of the Japanese species Sugitani's Moth (Relatively Threatened, Osaka Prefecture) and a new record from Sakai City! (Paper published in Nature Study)

This article contains a draft of the report "A Record of the Sugitani Moth in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture," which was published in the following journal. Citation: Kenichi Ikeda. 2020. A Record of the Sugitani Moth in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. Nature Study 66(12): 8. ISSN: 0...

2020.12.10

animal