Ecology

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Studies variation of life, animal behavior, and evolution of life in Archean. Research and education are based on field researches.

Research Subjects

Biological interactions in and around amphibians

We research on the effects of biodiversity that enhances the ecosystem functions such as production and nutrient cycle. In particular, we study amphibian communities in tropical rainforests by using stable isotope, fatty acid composition and environmental DNA methods.

Landscape ecology

Ecosystems that are essential for human sustainability and cannot be supported through reserves alone. Human activities such as agriculture must be in harmony with nature for sustainability. I am studying conservation biology in Satoyama, socio-ecological production landscapes in the World.

Bio-logging Ethology

We are studying various organisms (birds, mammals, etc.) living under natural conditions. We are using animal-borne data loggers ("Bio-logging") to record positions (GPS), video, speed, acceleration, and temperature, enabling the reconstruction of the behavior of marine and terrestrial animals. Furthermore, we examine the complex interplay between animal behavior and their environments using statistical models and simulations.

Environmental Ethology

Animal behavior and physiology can not be separated from the environment in which the animal lives. We therefore combine satellite remote-sensing technology and physiological measurements (e.g., heart rate, body temperature, brain activity) with animal behavior and examine the interaction of animals with their environments.

Archean ecology

I have studied Archean (3.8~2.5 Ga) microfossils and sedimentary rocks in order to reveal ecosystems on the early Earth and their evolution. My main research fields are the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia and the Barberton Mountainland, South Africa. This lab is only one where you have full access to unusually large and lenticular microfossils discovered from the 3.0 Ga Farrel Quartzite in the Pilbara Craton (also similar microfossils from 3.4Ga Strelley Pool Formation).

Ecology of river environment

My other research interests are on influence of dam construction and retention of water in reservoir on the river water quality and biogeochemistry of streambed biofilms. The major river (the Kushida River) in central Mie Prefecture, Japan is the main research target. Dissolved components, chemical compositions and isotopic compositions have been analyzed, aiming to reveal the source and behavior of heavy metals in outflow waters of the dam reservoir and accumulation mechanisms of heavy metals and biomineralization, especially of phosphorous phases, in streamed biofilms.