Community ecology and molecular ecology of microorganisms living in forest

Functions of organisms constituting a forest ecosystem are diverse. Many forest microorganisms such as yeast, etc. are unknown and their role in ecosystem is less understanding. Therefore, we are conducting a study on diversity and evolution of microbial communities in forest ecosystems by investigating them through field observation and DNA analysis.

Elucidation of co-existence mechanism and creation mechanism of trees in tropical rainforest ecosystem

How can many species co-exist in a rainforest? For example, 1182 species of trees are found in the plot of our survey area, Lambir Hills National Park, Malaysia. This number corresponds to the number of trees found in the Japanese archipelago. What kind of tree species are diversified and co-existing by what mechanism? We are studying ecological factors and historical factors to explain the high species diversity of tropical forests using long-term large scale ecological research site, set up in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Studies on the origin of tree species

Where familiar creatures came from? We are conducting a research to clarify the origins and origins of biological species from DNA base sequence information. For example, Camphor trees are planted in many shrines and as street trees in west Japan, but it is not known whether Camphor is a native species from Japan. We are doing a research to explore its origin by analyzing the DNA of a large Camphor tree in Ehime Prefecture.

Through these studies, we will clarify the historical, biological and industrial values of forest organisms.