Researcher Information

YAMADA Toshihiro

Professor

Collecting fossils first, then evaluating them!

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Earth and Planetary System Science

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Theme

Exploring biological significances of fossils (especially, plant fossils)

FieldPaleobotany, Paleontology, EvoDevo, Stratigraphy, Plant Taxonomy
KeywordCollect-first Paleontology, Evolutionary process of novel organs in plants, Paleoecology of extinct plants, Paleofloras, Paleopalynology, Cenozoic stratigraphy, Mesozoic stratigraphy

Introduction of Research

There are many extinct organisms with unique characteristics different from extant ones, as well as unique lifestyles. By examining the meaning of these fossils in terms of biology, we may be able to answer questions such as "How did innovations in forms and habits occur?" and "Why did they go extinct?"

However, we must have fossils in our hands before considering these questions. In other words, we must first go to the field to collect fossils. Furthermore, if we collect fossils ourselves, we may have the opportunity to see why the organism was fossilized. Knowing "how it died" can give us a hint about "how it lived," and only collectors have access to this information.

On the other hand, fossils can provide us with information beyond biology because they record history after being buried in sediments. Collectors can freely choose how to analyze them and extract information, making this aspect of paleontology fascinating.

There are many fossils waiting to be discovered, especially with regards to fossil plants. I am committed to doing my best to uncover these hidden treasures for the world to see!

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Search fossils with smiling in Hokkaido.
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Wow, I've got a new species!
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Welcome to the present world, my soul mate.
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125 Myr old leaf with tissues preserved.
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19 Myr old water plants of Araceae

Representative Achievements

Shared body plans of lycophytes inferred from root formation of Lycopodium clavatum,
Y. Ito, R. Fujinami, R. Imaichi, and T. Yamada, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2022, 10, 930167
Revision of Salvinia pseudoformosa type specimen ages,
M. Nishino, M. Ito, and T. Yamada, Paleontological Research, 2022, 26, 359–368
Age and paleoclimatic implication of middle to upper Miocene plant-bearing strata in the southern Kanazawa area, Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, based on refined Neogene palynostratigraphy in the Hokuriku district,
S. Teduka and T. Yamada, Island Arc, 2021, 30, e12428
Lycopodium root meristem dynamics support homology between shoots and roots in lycophytes,
R. Fujinami, A. Nakajima, R. Imaichi, and T. Yamada, New Phytologist, 2021, 229, 460–468
Root apical meristem diversity in extant lycophytes and implications for root origins,
*R. Fujinami, *T. Yamada, A. Nakajima, S. Takagi, A. Idogawa, E. Kawakami, M. Tsutsumi, R. Imaichi (*Co-first authors), New Phytologist, 2017, 215, 1210–1220
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Academic degreePh.D.
Self Introduction

I was born in Aichi Prefecture. I collected fossils for the first time when I was five years old. Since then, I am always collecting fossils. Lately, I've been listening to "Yorushika" which was recommended by my son. Their music takes me back to a time when my research life wasn't going well. My favorite fish is red seabream and Japanese whiting.

Academic background1999 B. S., Faculty of Science, Kyoto University
2001 M. S., Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo
2004 Ph.D., Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo
2004 Researcher, Department of Geology, the National Science Museum, Tokyo
2006 Associate Professor, Division of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University
2011 Associate Professor, School of Natural System, College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University
2018 Professor, Biology and Geosciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University
2018 Director, Botanical Gardens, Faculty of Science, Osaka City University
2022 Professor, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University
2022 Director, Botanical Gardens, Osaka Metropolitan University
2023– Professor, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University
Affiliated academic societyPaleontological Society of Japan, Botanical Society of Japan, Japanese Society for Plant Systematics, Geological Society of Japan
Room addressScience Building 6, 10-06